DFER LA Congratulates 19 Endorsed Candidates on Election Victories in 2019 Cycle
Gov. Edwards re-elected for four more years
19 DFER champions win races during 2019 cycle
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) Louisiana’s State Director, Eva Kemp, released the below statement following the reported victories of DFER champions in the legislature:
“We’re proud to congratulate these DFER-backed candidates on their hard-fought and well-deserved victories tonight, particularly Governor John Bel Edwards who will continue to prioritize education and fight for low-income families in his second term,” said Kemp. “Tonight’s runoff results, coupled with the primary victories, show that voters support the steady progress of public education across our state and demand better options and a greater investment in resources and expanded opportunities for students and families across Louisiana. We look forward to building strong relationships with each of the newly elected legislators as they begin their new terms.”
Based on the returns from the Secretary of State’s website, 19 DFER-backed candidates won elections during the statewide election cycle:
- Governor John Bel Edwards edged out his Republican opponent with 51% of the vote in the runoff, leading by less than 40,000 votes;
- BESE District 2: Kira Orange Jones won re-election handily with 61% of the vote in the primary;
- BESE District 8: Preston Castille, a first time-candidate and education and civic leader bested his three opponents with 52% of the vote in the primary;
- Senate District 2: Sen. Ed Price won re-election with 59% of the vote in the primary;
- Senate District 5: Sen. Karen Carter Peterson will return to the Senate with 79% of the vote in the primary;
- Senate District 14: former Sen. Cleo Fields edged out his opponent with 53% of the vote in the primary;
- Senate District 24: Sen. Gerald Boudreaux won by a significant margin with 76% of the vote in the primary;
- Senate District 29: Sen. Jay Luneau will continue serving in the Senate with 61% of the vote in the primary;
- Senate District 39: Sen. Greg Tarver was easily re-elected with 69% of the vote in the primary;
- House District 16: Fred Jones (50%) finished just short of an outright win and faced a runoff until his opponent withdrew from the race;
- House District 18: Rep. Jeremy LaCombe held a strong victory margin with 63% of the vote in the primary;
- House District 21: C. Travis Johnson won with 59% of the vote in the runoff;
- House District 40: Rep. Dustin Miller was easily re-elected with 70% of the vote in the primary;
- House District 58: Rep. Ken Brass was re-elected with 76% of the vote in the primary;
- House District 63: Rep. Barbara West Carpenter was re-elected with 62% of the vote in the primary;
- House District 67: Larry Selders won his election with 55% of the vote in the runoff;
- House District 75: Rep. Malinda White held on to her seat easily with 64% of the vote in the primary;
- House District 87: Rep. Rodney Lyons won re-election handily with 79% of the vote in the primary; and,
- House District 100: Jason Hughes was elected to the district’s open seat with 66% of the vote.
In total, of the 24 races where DFER invested, 19 strong Democratic leaders will enter public office next year. The majority of the Democratic caucus is entering the Legislature after earning DFER’s support.
“We’d especially like to congratulate Governor John Bel Edwards, who has been a partner in advancing equitable policies both in and outside the classroom, on his victory tonight,” said Kemp. “This result gives Governor Edwards a clear mandate to continue moving Louisiana forward. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the Governor and his Administration on common-sense policies to improve the lives of Louisiana’s students and families.”
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