A Morning Consult poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards is the most popular Democrat Governor. Overall, he is ranked 15th with a 54% approval rating. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says the popularity plays into the favor of Edwards and his clout as the legislative session draws near.
“When attempting to influence or pressure legislators to support his agenda, he can let these individuals know, ‘Hey, Louisianans like me. This is what they voted for when they voted for me,'” said Stockley.
Stockley says a big part of Edwards being the most favored Democrat governor is his popularity and connection to the people of the state outdoes that of other Democrats in other states.
“It’s the morals, it’s ethics, it’s the trust that sets him apart from a lot of other individuals. His sensitivity, his ability to relate to people,” said Stockley.
Stockley says if the national Democrat Party is not paying attention to Edwards both as an individual and as a model for how to win as a Democrat in the south, then they are making a significant strategic error and it could cost them elections in 2020 as well as the White House.
“Governor Edwards shows Democrats in the right place at the right time can win in the south. They can win in conservative areas, Republican areas, and areas where Trump is popular,” said Stockley.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant ranked above Edwards, but has left office since the poll was taken in the final quarter of 2019. Governors of Wyoming, Maryland, and Massachusetts all tied for the highest approval rating at 69%.
