2019 LA Governor's race: on Principles & Values

John Bel Edwards: Faith plays a central role in his life and work

The first thing he did in his victory speech [in November 2015] was thank God. "Our faith is important, and I know we're called to give thanks in all things," he tells me, explaining his remarks on election night. "So I did that, and it was heartfelt because I've now been given the opportunity to be the governor."

"The Catholic faith has been central to our family just as long as I can remember," he says. "I'm fortunate that my mother is still alive, and she still attends Mass just about every day." What he wants to hand on to his three children is not just a way of talking about the Catholic faith, but an example of how to live it. "Even when we're on vacation," his daughter said in a campaign commercial in 2015, her father "will find out where the Mass is, what time the Mass is."

John Bel Edwards: Only Democratic governor in the Deep South

But despite his popularity, the poll shows a 2019 race between Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy or Republican New Orleans Congressman Steve Scalise would be neck and neck. Edwards posts a stronger showing against 5th District Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham. Kennedy and Abraham have both said they're considering challenging Edwards in 2019, while Scalise has shown no interest so far. The poll shows Edwards with a 45-44 lead over Kennedy, well within the margin of error, and a 46-43 lead over Scalise.