Edwards defeats Rispone

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Gov. John Bel Edwards defeated businessman Eddie Rispone as he seeks a second term. 
Statewide returns show Edwards with 51% of the 1,508,597 votes cast in Saturday’s election. That was with 100% of the 3,934 precincts reporting.
The results are unofficial.
At 10 p.m. the Associated Press declared that Edwards had defeated Rispone.
In St. Landry Parish, Eddwards has 52% of the 30,266 votes cast.
Edwards emphasized how he worked with the Republican-controlled Legislature to turn the state budget deficit into a surplus. 
Edwards also focused on his background as a s a West Point graduate, Army service as a captain, comfort with guns and signing a strict anti-abortion bill into law. 
Edwards also noted a teacher pay raise, aid for early childhood education and support for higher education. 
The governor also expanded Medicaid to about 450,000 working poor people. 
Ripsone, who received backing from President Donald Trump, stressed his business background and attacked Edwards a tax-and-spend career politician. 
In other state elections with 63 of 64 parishes reporting:
— Secretary of State: incumbent Kyle Ardoin defeated “Gwen” Collins-Greenup with 59% of the 1,468,551 votes cast.