Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards clears Democratic field for Shawn Wilson

Gov. John Bel Edwards has endorsed his former transportation secretary Shawn Wilson in the Louisiana governor's race, likely clearing the Democratic field for Wilson in a campaign crowded with Republicans.

Wilson, the only Democrat and only Black candidate to announce so far, served as Edwards' transportation secretary for two terms before retiring Friday in preparation for his campaign launch. Edwards is term-limited, leaving an open seat.

"When I was elected governor, the only person I wanted to serve as your transportation secretary was Shawn Wilson," Edwards said in a statement. "Shawn's reputation speaks for itself. He's spent his career bringing people together to accomplish the most difficult tasks. In his seven years as secretary, he has overseen the implementation of the largest infrastructure investments in our state's history.

"We are finally tackling the infrastructure projects we have dreamed about for decades. His success in this role was only possible because he works with anyone, regardless of political party, to get things done."Shawn shares my belief that we should put what's best for our people before what's best for our political parties. If we're going to continue to move Louisiana in the right direction, we need Shawn as our next governor. He's exactly the type of leader that will bridge the partisan divides that too often take hold of our politics."

Wilson, of Lafayette, is touting his ability to secure bipartisan support.

"Gov. Edwards and I know the value in working together," Wilson said in a statement. "We’ve spent the last seven years bringing people of both parties to the table to find agreement. That’s the only way to get things done for Louisiana, and as our next governor, I promise to the people of our state that I will work every day to bridge the divides that hold us back."

With Edwards' endorsement, Wilson will likely be the only major Democratic candidate in the field. Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt and East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore have already opted out, as has activist Gary Chambers Jr., who finished second in last year's U.S. Senate race to incumbent Republican John Kennedy.

But Wilson will be a decided underdog in Louisiana, where Edwards is the only statewide elected Democrat. He is considered an anomaly in the Deep South.

Jeremy Alford, publisher of LaPolitics Weekly and The Tracker, was the co-author of "Long Shot," the story of Edwards' unlikely win eight years ago.

Alford said Wilson will need Edwards' fundraising power to accompany the endorsement for Wilson to pull off a similar upset win.

More:Louisiana finally has a Democrat in the 2023 governor race: Shawn Wilson

"I think (Wilson) is hoping the endorsement means he'll be able to tap into Gov. Edwards's fundraising and campaign staff infrastructure," Alford said. "The big question is whether Gov. Edwards is going to go out and raise money for Wilson. If you look at the past two years the governor has dramatically tapered his fundraising."

The Republican field already includes state Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell, Attorney General Jeff Landry, state Rep. Richard Nelson of Mandeville and Treasurer John Schroder. Independent Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles has also announced.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Here's who Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards wants to replace him