NEW ORLEANS – In a political twist of fate unimaginable mere months ago, Democratic state Rep. John Bel Edwards defeated Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter Saturday night with 55 percent of the vote to become Louisiana’s next governor.
 

The triumphant melody of yellow and blue campaign bells rung throughout the chandeliered reception room of New Orleans’ Hotel Monteleone as runoff results poured in.
 

With his wife of 26 years, seven siblings and extended family by his side, Edwards thanked his campaign staff, supporters and legislative colleagues, as well as former gubernatorial opponent Republican Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who endorsed him earlier this month.
 

“[Dardenne] decided, like me, to put Louisiana first– not state, not party, but Louisiana,” Edwards said.
 

Edwards said party lines would not blur his leadership style, and he would work for all his constituents – including Vitter’s. He said Vitter called him earlier Saturday night and was “very gracious.”
 

“I love this great state and its wonderful people,” Edwards said.
 

The choice of venue held personal significance for Edwards– the Monteleone hosted his grandfather’s 1927 election party for the Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s seat, which he won.
 

Edwards said he hoped the elegant location would bring him luck as a Democrat in an overwhelmingly red state almost 90 years later.
 

Crowds overflowed the reception room after Edwards opened his party to the public. Campaign interns could be found somewhere in the hodgepodge of party guests, and their enthusiasm only heightened as the polls were revealed.
 

LSU political communications junior and Edwards campaign intern Jacques Petit said the prospect of a Democratic governor might be what Louisiana needs after eight years under Gov. Bobby Jindal’s leadership.
 

“It’s going be something refreshing and new that I’m definitely excited for,” Petit said.
 

Campaign intern and LSU political science junior Rob Lancon said he believed voters understood Edwards’ campaign slogan and agreed with it.
 

“Since the very beginning of his campaign, JBE has kept his promise of putting Louisiana first,” Lancon said.
 

Though he thanked his voters, Edwards said he would not disappoint those who voted against him. He said he hoped to live up to the surge of faith the state’s electorate put in him.
“I did not create this breeze of hope…but I did catch it,” Edwards said.