Republicans flip Democrat-held Louisiana governor seat in first major contest ahead of 2024 elections

Republicans have won the race to determine the next governor of Louisiana, flipping the state from Democrat control in the first major contest ahead of the 2024 elections.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry was declared the clear winner in Saturday's jungle primary, reaching the 50% vote threshold needed to avoid a runoff. The Associated Press called the race.

Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson were considered the front-runners in the crowded race to replace term-limited Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards.

As the first major test for Republicans and Democrats ahead of the 2024 elections, the outcome could signal momentum for the GOP going into this year's remaining races, as well as the presidential election year.