Republicans have won the race to determine the next governor of Louisiana, flipping the state from Democrat control in the first major contest ahead of the 2024 elections.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry was declared the clear winner in Saturday's jungle primary, reaching the 50% vote threshold needed to avoid a runoff. The Associated Press called the race.

Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson were considered the front-runners in the crowded race to replace term-limited Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards.

As the first major test for Republicans and Democrats ahead of the 2024 elections, the outcome could signal momentum for the GOP going into this year's remaining races, as well as the presidential election year.

GOP CHALLENGER ROASTS RED-STATE DEM GOVERNOR OVER BIDEN SUPPORT AS ELECTION DAY DRAWS NEAR: ‘NO SURPRISE’

Wilson received an endorsement from Bel Edwards early in the race, and told Fox News Digital earlier this week that his experience working across the aisle showed he had the ability to govern over a state made up largely of conservatives despite being a Democrat. Bel Edwards served two terms and maintained an above-water popularity under the same circumstances.

DEMS, GOP FACE FIRST TEST AHEAD OF 2024 ELECTIONS AS VOTERS HEAD TO POLLS IN LOUISIANA

However, Landry told Fox in an interview early on in the race that it was time to end Democrat rule over the state, and ran on a platform of bringing crime in Louisiana under control, as well as improving Louisiana's standing in areas like education and the economy compared to other Southern states.

Landry was the favorite to win the race, but a range of recent polls suggested neither candidate would reach the 50% threshold on Saturday and would be forced into a November runoff.

Democrats and Republicans face more tough races this year, including a contentious gubernatorial election in Kentucky and elections to determine control of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. Both are scheduled for November.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people Friday aboard a 44-foot sailboat that sank just off South Carolina.

A boat rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Georgetown responded to a distress call at 5:40 p.m. from a crew member aboard Answer My Friend that the vessel was in distress near a jetty in the entrance to Winyah Bay.

After unsuccessfully trying to make contact with the boat on VHF Channel 16, the Coast Guard received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activation from the vessel and issued an urgent marine information broadcast over the radio. 

The rescue boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah helicopter crew immediately launched to search for the mariners. A good Samaritan boater arrived at the scene to find the sailboat on the jetty partially submerged, but was unable to locate the crew.

PAKISTANIS ON BOAT THAT SANK OFF GREECE, KILLING DOZENS OF MIGRANTS, WERE ORDERED BELOW DECK: REPORT 

COAST GUARD SAVES 4 PEOPLE, DOG FROM SINKING BOAT MOMENTS BEFORE IT CAPSIZES 

The Coast Guard rescue boat crew arrived to find and pull two people in the water, and treated them for shock and hypothermia. 

"Whether it's a VHF radio, an EPIRB, or a cellphone, having reliable communications equipment while out on the water is the keystone of maritime safety, providing a vital link to summon assistance or share critical information during a maritime emergency," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Robert Dash, command duty officer, Sector Charleston.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.