What is John Bel Edwards' name?

[I support Sanders]

I have seen signs that say "Elect John Bel" and also "John Edward for Louisiana Governor." Is Bel a middle name, does he have a hyphenated last name, or is Bel some nickname?

[Miles]

"Bel" is his middle name but "John Bel" is treated as his first name in conversation.

Sort of a regional thing - e.g. my first name is "John" as well (which I don't go by), but some of my friends/coworkers in Baton Rouge typically called me "John Miles."

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John Bel Edwards

[Vega]

Adding the first name and the middle name to form a first name seems to be rather common in the South.

[Senate Minority Leader Lord Voldemort]

South gonna South.

[Figueira]

I just realized a few days ago that it's kind of ironic that Vitter's opponent is named John Edwards.

[Phony Moderate]

He doesn't want to be known as 'John Edwards', for obvious reasons.

[Joe Republic]

Is Bel short for something else?  You know, like an actual name?

[Del Tachi]

I've heard a lot of people refer to him as "Bel Edwards", is that commonly-heard in Louisiana, Miles?

[Miles]

^ I can't really say - I've been out of Louisiana the vast majority of the time this election has been going on.

[gespb19]

Adding the first name and the middle name to form a first name seems to be rather common in the South.

Very.

[CountyTy90]

"Bel" is his middle name but "John Bel" is treated as his first name in conversation.

Sort of a regional thing - e.g. my first name is "John" as well (which I don't go by), but some of my friends/coworkers in Baton Rouge typically called me "John Miles."

I've always wondered what the J stood for in your Twitter handle.

Also I'm happy someone asked this question 'cause I was wondering as well.