Updated Nov 17, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards defeats Trump-backed challenger

Rebecca Falconer

John Bel Edwards. Photo: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Incumbent Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) overcame a tough challenge from President Trump-backed businessman Eddie Rispone to be re-elected governor late Saturday for a second term, AP reports.

Why it matters: The tight race victory by the only Democratic governor in the Deep South in Trump country is a major blow for the president, who tried to drum up support for Rispone at two presidential rallies in Louisiana this month and in tweets leading up to the vote.

Trump even made a last-ditch appeal on Twitter for Rispone just before Louisiana polls closed.

By the numbers: With 99% of precincts reporting by 11:30 pm ET, official figures show Edwards won 51% of the vote.

Background: Conservative Democrat Edwards was forced into a runoff last month after falling just short of the 50% threshold needed for an outright win, achieving 47% of that vote.

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Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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