New Survey Cites Leading Candidates for Louisiana Governor in ’23
A just released poll looking ahead to next fall's race for governor’s shows that right now, well, it's anybody's for the taking.
Survey Says There May Be an Early Frontrunner
Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics recently asked 600 likely Louisiana voters who they favored in 2023 among eight different potential candidates and although there was no clear cut favorite, Republican Senator John Kennedy received the most support at 22%.
Here's Who Voters View Favorably
But Couvillon adds that in another important category, Kennedy’s approval rating is at 53% while the state's other US Senator, Dr. Bill Cassidy, is at 38%, which Couvillon says hurts his chances if he plans a gubernatorial run.
“I think it helps Senator Kennedy that out of the three statewide elected officials polled for favorable and unfavorable name recognition," Couvillon told Louisiana Radio Network, "His was the best by far of fall three."
10-percent of those surveyed said they would vote for Cassidy in the 2023 governor’s race. Eleven percent say they backed Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and seven-percent went for another Republican, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
GOP Senator Sharon Hewitt of Slidell got 2-percent and State Treasurer John Schroder received one percent.
Who are the Democrats Most Mentioned?
Among Democrats, 14-percent of poll respondents said they would support Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. The key for Broome, said Couvillon, is whether she can unite Democratic voter bases in other cities to build on that support. Another Democrat, State Senator Gary Smith, received four percent support.
29% of those surveyed said they are currently undecided.
When is the State's Election for Governor?
Louisiana's gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for October 14, 2023, with the general election on November 18.