Rightwing attorney general holds off crowded field and will replace Democrat John Bel Edwards, who has served two terms

Attorney General Jeff Landry, a rightwing Republican backed by Donald Trump, has won the Louisiana governor’s race, holding off a crowded field of candidates.

The win is a major victory for the Republican party as they reclaim the governor’s mansion for the first time in eight years. Landry will replace current governor John Bel Edwards, who was unable to seek re-election due to consecutive term limits.

Edwards is the only Democratic governor in the south.