Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal wins reelection

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) was easily reelected to a second term on Saturday avoiding a November runoff.

Jindal was winning nearly 70 percent of the vote, according to the Associated Press, leading teacher Tara Hollis (D) among others. Jindal needed just 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff and win a second term in office.

Jindal faced no major opponents, as Democrats struggled to land a recruit of any substance, and his reelection was never in doubt. His top competition, Hollis, raised less than $50,000 for the race.

Democrats fielded no candidates in the lieutenant governor or secretary of state races, either.

Jindal, who is still just 40 years old, is considered a rising Republican star who could be a presidential or vice presidential candidate one day. But his entry on to the national political scene didn’t go smoothly, and he has focused on his day job in recent years with significant success and popularity.

Jindal becomes the second incumbent governor to win reelection this year, joining West Virginia’s Earl Ray Tomblin (D), who was acting governor until he was elected in his own right earlier this month.

There are two more governor’s races this year, but neither is expected to be competitive. Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant (R) is a heavy favorite to succeed outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour (R), and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) is sailing to reelection.

Both races will be held Nov. 8.