Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser wins reelection; drama in other statewide races

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser won a third term Saturday in a landslide, while the races for attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer are all headed to runoffs.

Nungesser had all but declared to run for the state's top job, but in January he opted out of the governor's race and announced he would seek reelection instead in what turned out to be an easy decision.

Two statewide offices — agriculture commissioner and insurance commissioner — were both decided without a vote.

Incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain and new Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, both Republicans, were elected without opposition.

But other key races will have to be decided in the Nov. 18 runoff election.

In the attorney general's race, Republican Liz Murrill, the solicitor general for current Attorney General Jeff Landry, will face Democrat Lindsey Cheek in the runoff.

Landry gave up the job to run for governor and won a stunning victory Saturday.

In the race for secretary of state, Republican Nancy Landry and Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup will square off in the runoff.

The secretary of state is Louisiana's chief elections officer.

In the race for treasurer, former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming, who was also a key deputy on former President Donald Trump's staff, finished first in the primary. He will face Democrat Dustin Granger of Lake Charles, a personal financial adviser.

Both are seeking to replace Republican Treasurer John Schroder, who gave up the job to run for governor. Schroder finished out of the money in Saturday's governor's race.

More: Louisiana loses chance at U.S. House speaker after Steve Scalise withdraws

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

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Bill Nungesser wins reelection