"Louisiana's Governorship Race: A Hard-Line Republican Takes the Lead"

Jeff Landry, the hard-line conservative and Republican state attorney general, is leading the race for governor of Louisiana, dominating the primary field to replace the term-limited Democratic governor. Landry's aggressive litigation against the Biden administration and his conservative opponent has garnered him a significant war chest and early Republican endorsements, giving him a comfortable lead in the crowded primary. If he wins, Landry is expected to drive Louisiana further to the right on issues such as crime, the environment, and LGBTQ rights. The race highlights the shift in Louisiana's politics towards nationalized issues and the struggle to energize voters disillusioned by bitter national divisions and the lasting effects of the pandemic.