As lawmakers put a bow on the 2019 legislative session tonight, and head back to their districts, politicians' attention will inevitably turn towards the fall -- and the statewide elections that are coming up.
At the top of the ballot is the race for governor of Louisiana, with qualifying beginning two months from today.
Incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards is probably feeling pretty good, said political analyst Clancy DuBos.
"He's had a good session," said DuBos, noting that not only did the governor get the pay raise he sought for public school teachers, he also won extra funding for public school districts, a proposal that many House Republicans opposed.
Edwards also got the opportunity to shore up his conservative bona-fides with new abortion restrictions.
"That's kind of his secret recipe there: he's a Democrat, he's from the country, but he's Catholic, and he's ardently pro-life," said DuBos. "He is as pro-life as any Republican out there."
DuBos says that and a pro-gun record for Edwards makes it hard for Republican opponents to tie him to Democrats like Nancy Pelosi or Chuck Schumer.
But he's also not a shoe-in by any means.
"While the governor looks to be in good shape right now, this race really has not yet begun," said DuBos. "(Republicans) will blame him for the taxes that had to be imposed to balance the budget."
