In November of 1991, racist David Duke unsuccessfully ran for Governor of what state?

In a political contest that drew national attention, former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke was defeated in his 1991 bid for the governorship of Louisiana. His opponent in the runoff election was the colorful and controversial three-time former Governor Edwin Edwards. The race became a stark choice for voters, pitting a candidate with a history of white supremacy against a politician with a reputation for corruption. This unusual matchup led to the creation of memorable, unofficial slogans, including "Vote for the Lizard, not the Wizard" and "Vote For The Crook: It's Important."

The election was seen by many as a battle for the soul of the state, with fears that a Duke victory would lead to economic boycotts and cement a national image of intolerance. Despite Duke's attempts to present himself as a mainstream conservative who had renounced his racist past, his history remained a central issue of the campaign. The national Republican Party, including then-President George H.W. Bush, publicly denounced Duke's candidacy, leaving him without the support of the party establishment.

Ultimately, a coalition of voters, including a massive turnout from the African American community, propelled Edwin Edwards to a decisive victory, securing him an unprecedented fourth term as governor. Edwards won with over 61% of the vote, a margin that indicated a clear rejection of Duke's divisive platform by the majority of Louisiana's electorate. The election remains a significant event in American political history, often cited as a powerful example of voters choosing the lesser of two perceived evils to prevent a more extreme outcome.