Edwards leaves office with budget surplus

Edwards’ tenure might be defined by his response to a series of crises

Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)

On Jan. 11, 2016, the same day he was sworn into office, John Bel Edwards received his first briefing as governor about a weather-related disaster headed for Louisiana. A series of northern storms had caused the Mississippi River to rise and flood areas of Missouri and Illinois. As the excess water rolled south, officials initially worried it could bring a catastrophe with it. Fortunately, the…

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.