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John Bel Edwards on Principles & Values

 

 


In every decision I have strived to be a Matthew 25 governor

Everything I am today is because of a rural sheriff and a charity hospital nurse who passed their faith to their 8 children and taught them the meaning of public service. They showed me, by example, that faith should be followed by works. In every decision I have made as governor--from Medicaid expansion to criminal justice reform to the uncharted territory of COVID response, I have strived to be a Matthew 25 governor: A "good and faithful servant."
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Louisiana legislature , Apr 10, 2023

Faith plays a central role in his life and work

A devout Roman Catholic in a state with a devout Protestant majority, Mr. Edwards talks openly about his faith and the central role it plays 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."

Source: America Magazine on 2019 Louisiana gubernatorial race , Dec 14, 2018

Only Democratic governor in the Deep South

A new poll shows strong approval ratings for Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, but his re-election chances would still be in peril against the strongest Republican challengers in a heavily red state. Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy's poll showed Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, with a 55 percent approval rating vs. only 31 percent disapproval.

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.

Source: The News-Star on 2019 Louisiana Gubernatorial race , Mar 1, 2018

Four generations of sheriffs in family lineage

John Bel, as his friends and family know him, excelled in high school athletics and graduated as valedictorian. As one of eight children from a family long dedicated to public service, John Bel carries on the family tradition. With a father who was the elected Sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish--the Edwards have four generations of Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs in their family lineage with John Bel's brother Daniel currently serving as Sheriff--John Bel learned the importance of public service at an early age.
Source: 2016 Senate campaign website, JohnBelForLouisiana.com , Aug 11, 2015

Other governors on Principles & Values: John Bel Edwards on other issues:
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2023; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org