Treen wins in Louisiana
As a Republican trying to become the Governor of Louisiana, David Treen, 51, faced an electorate that was 95% Democratic. What was more, no Republican had been elected to the office since Reconstruction. But last week the four-term Congressman defeated liberal Democrat Louis Lambert, 690,691 to 681,134.
Treen won by emphasizing his staunchly conservative stands in a state where the Democrats often vote like Republicans. Surprisingly, he got the backing of all the major Democrats that Lambert had beaten in the primary. A pro-union populist with a careening political style, Lambert hurt his own cause by suggesting Treen was guilty of political chicanery.
The victor hopes to help swing the state to the Republicans in the coming presidential election.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Contact us at letters@time.com