Ralph Abraham joins Eddie Rispone in backing Jeff Landry for Louisiana governor

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham is backing Jeff Landry in the 2023 Louisiana governor's race, giving Landry support from both of the Republican front-runners from the 2019 race in which Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards ultimately prevailed for a second term.

Abraham joins wealthy businessman Eddie Rispone in rolling out Landry endorsements this week.

"After two terms of Democrat control of our state's highest office, Louisiana's problems are getting worse," Abraham said in an email sent to his supporters. "Our economy is weakened, our students are slipping further behind, crime terrorizes our cities, and more families are breaking apart as loved ones move to other states for better opportunities. That is why I ask you to formally endorse Attorney General Jeff Landry as the official Republican candidate to be Louisiana’s next governor."

That Abraham and Rispone are on the same page may be a surprise to many Republicans who remember Rispone's attack ads against Abraham during the 2019 race that created friction within the GOP, especially among Abraham's backers.

An example of their displeasure with Rispone was Abraham's own son-in-law Dustin Morris, who delivered a campaign check to Edwards in person at the Governor's Mansion during the 2019 runoff between Edwards and Rispone after Abraham was edged out of the final pairing, although Abraham did endorse Rispone in the runoff.

Abraham addressed the past in his email.

"I had a front-row seat to what happens when a party as strong as ours goes into a gubernatorial runoff divided and distracted from winning," he said. "As a party, we must ask ourselves how we stop this train wreck from repeating again. We need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. The path to victory requires unity and preparedness."

Landry told USA Today Network the two former opponents coalescing behind his campaign show Abraham and Rispone "are more interested in us as a state than themselves as individuals."

"Unity will be fundamental for our party to win and, more importantly, change our state's path," Landry said. "I am honored to have the support of these two fine gentlemen. They have sacrificed so much for the state they both care deeply about. The unity in their endorsements is humbling because it reinforces that this campaign is not about me as a single candidate; it's about making a difference for all of us.

"They know more than anyone the importance of rallying behind a single campaign and that we need to start working now to build a statewide effort focused on victory in twelve short months. Our party is determined to learn from the mistakes of the past so we can bring about substantial improvements to this state we love."

On Tuesday, Rispone sent an email to members of the Republican State Central Committee urging them to make an early endorsement of Landry.

“A few people have indicated that they will run for governor, but only Jeff Landry has made a formal announcement,” Rispone wrote. “Considering those that have indicated they will run, I have decided to support Jeff Landry. I encourage other RSCC members to consider doing the same, so we can start organizing ourselves around the state and ensure the election of a strong conservative governor.”

But Republican Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Republican Treasurer John Schroder, who are also expected to run for governor but haven't made formal announcements, accused Landry of trying to "rig" the race before everyone's in the gate.

Nungesser told USA Today Network he was surprised by Abraham's position and wondered if "they promised (Abraham) a job."

"Shame on these people for trying to manipulate the system," he said. "It's sad they're trying to rig this without giving the people of the party or the state a fair vote. Why now? What are they scared of? They're dividing the party and trying to strong-arm people."

Schroder provided a similar statement.

“There are a lot of solid conservative Republicans planning to run for governor and all Republicans deserve a right to decide," Schroder said. "Trying to rig the process is exactly what all Republicans should stand firm in opposing.“

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: Former rivals Ralph Abraham, Eddie Rispone coalesce behind Jeff Landry