New poll shows Jeff Landry with 'commanding position' in Louisiana governor's race

A new independent Louisiana governor's race poll shows Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry in a "commanding position" at this stage of the race with a wide lead on all of his GOP rivals and ahead of the only Democrat in the field.

The poll was conducted by Kaplan Strategies of Florida and isn't affiliated with any campaign, firm President Doug Kaplan told USA Today Network. "This is one of only three governors' races in the country and a good opportunity for us raise our profile," he said. Kentucky and Mississippi are the other two states with races.

In the Louisiana governor's race, 30% of those surveyed chose Landry, followed by Democrat Shawn Wilson, the former transportation secretary for Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, with 20%.

They were followed by: Republican Treasurer John Shroder and Republican former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack, both at 6%; Republican Sen. Sharon Hewitt and conservative independent attorney Hunter Lundy, both at 5%; Republican Rep. Richard Nelson at 2%; and 24% undecided.

Kaplan said the poll shows Landry is "well positioned" to succeed Edwards, who is term limited and can't run this cycle.

Landry, who secured an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party last year, has led in every independent and candidate poll publicly released so far.

Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight site that rates pollsters ranks Kaplan Strategies with a "B" grade.

Landry also had the highest favorability rating of those surveyed with a 44% positive rating and 33% negative rating. Wilson's favorability rating was 22% positive and 23% negative. Waguespack held a 25% favorable rating with a 26% negative rating. Schroder held a 24% positive rating with a 27% negative rating. Hewitt held a 24% positive rating and 26% negative rating. Lundy was at 17% favorable and 26% negative. Nelson holds a 15% favorable rating and 25% negative rating.

Voters will go to the polls for the primary election Oct. 14 with the runoff election set Nov. 18.

The poll was conducted June 30-July 2 and surveyed 1,077 likely voters in Louisiana.

It also showed that former President Trump remains popular in Louisiana as he seeks a return to the White House with a 55% favorable rating and 41% unfavorable. He is particularly popular with white voters (67%) and men (61%).

Of those surveyed, 55% said they believe Louisiana is on the wrong track compared to 22% who have a positive view of the state's trajectory.

More: In Louisiana, Democrats have unified for an underdog effort to hold governor's mansion

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

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: New poll shows Jeff Landry with big lead in Louisiana governor's race