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At the end of 2022, a new electoral cycle closes, this time the midterm elections. However, we will not have to wait long for other political campaigns to begin. The 2023 election route will pass almost exclusively through the southern part of the country, stopping in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
All of these states will hold elections for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, and agriculture commissioner. Although they may seem like local issues, some of these elections could have important repercussions at the federal level.
This weight falls on two of the three gubernatorial races: Louisiana and Kentucky. The first because it could see one of the most popular senators make the leap to his state’s executive power and the second because it could be the springboard for a future national political star.
Kennedy for governor?
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) is one of the most popular among Republicans. His folksy style, combined with a knack for analogies, earns him millions of likes on social media. He is also one of the top 10 most effective Republican senators in the 116th Congress.
Weeks away from securing another six years in the Upper House, Kennedy is seriously considering making the leap to his state’s governorship. “I’ve spent my life and career serving the people of Louisiana. But we can’t deny that our great state is facing serious challenges. To meet those challenges, Louisiana families deserve a governor who can lead our state and help solve our toughest problems,” he said in November, later remarking that he was “seriously considering” entering the race.
The Republican acknowledged that, should he become governor, his political influence would be “more direct,” although he would have to give up all the privileges that come with the title of senator.
Of course, his decision has all the political figures in the state on edge, who won’t bother going against the senator should he decide to enter the race. For now, Kennedy starts as the favorite, not only to win the Republican nomination, but also to unseat the Democrats in the state, who have governed since 2016.
Daniel Cameron: a new Republican star in Kentucky
On August 25, 2020, a 35-year-old who also happened to be Kentucky’s first African-American attorney general took the podium at the Republican National Convention. Virtually unknown until then, he seized the lectern to grab national attention.
“It was General Dwight Eisenhower, a future Republican president, who said: “Democracy is a system that recognizes the equality of humans before the law.” Whether you are the family of Breonna Taylor or David Dorn, these are the ideals that will heal our nation’s wounds,” he said in his speech.
Seconds later, he took direct aim at President Biden and grabbed all the attention on social media. “I think often about my ancestors who struggled for freedom. And as I think of those giants and their broad shoulders, I also think about Joe Biden, who says, if you aren’t voting for me, “you ain’t black.” Who argued that Republicans would put us “back in chains.” Who says there is no “diversity” of thought in the Black community. Mr. Vice President look at me, I am Black. We are not all the same, sir. I am not in chains. My mind is my own. And you can’t tell me how to vote because of the color of my skin,” he added.
Three years later, the Republican will seek to become Kentucky’s new governor, which could quickly open the door to national politics for him. For example, he could be a viable vice-presidential choice in both 2024 and 2028. Cameron has the backing of Donald Trump and is emerging as the favorite to, once again, turn a conservative state governed by Democrats red.
Not much mystery in the Mississippi election
Things are pretty clear in the Magnolia State, at least on the outcome. Governor Tate Reeves (R) has not yet decided whether or not he will seek re-election, which opens the door to other candidates such as Philip Gunn (speaker of the local House of Representatives), Michael Watson (secretary of state) or Lynn Fitch (attorney general).
Regardless of the names, the Republican Party would prevail without breaking a sweat in Mississippi, given that they have governed since 2004.
Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]