Party News

US Supreme Court Orders Louisiana to Use Congressional Map with Additional Black District in 2024 Vote

Today, the Supreme Court ordered the state of Louisiana to hold this year’s congressional elections using the new House district map with two majority-black districts.

This comes despite a recent federal court ruling calling the map unconstitutional.

Now, it is certain that this year’s election will be held using the new map with districts which more fairly represents Louisiana’s racial demographics.

Randal Gaines Elected Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2023

CONTACT
gaines4louisiana@gmail.com

RANDAL GAINES ELECTED CHAIR OF LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Former State Rep. Gaines Energized to Rebuild Democratic Party

BATON ROUGE – Today, former three-term State Representative Randal L. Gaines was elected as the Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. State party officials voted overwhelmingly to close the nominations after his sole nomination, and support his campaign mission to bring new, experienced leadership focused full-time on building grassroots capacity and resources to engage voters, develop leaders, and win elections at all levels.

“It is a new day for Democrats in Louisiana. I am energized and ready to get to work alongside our new state party to ensure that Louisiana Democrats have a strong, functional Big Tent party that is a resource to all Democrats in every part of the state,” said Chairman-elect Gaines. “It is critical that we use this unifying, watershed moment to rebuild, refocus, and recruit the leaders of tomorrow to address the concerns that are top of mind for residents in every corner of our state. Through grassroots organizing and continuous voter engagement and mobilization, we will remind Louisianans that the Democratic Party is the party that will fight for them. We have the people, message, and plan to be set up for electoral success in 2024 and beyond. Let’s get to work.”

Randal L. Gaines was elected three times to serve as State Representative for Louisiana’s 57th House District, which spans St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes. Term-limited, Gaines concluded his House service in 2023. First elected in 2011, he served as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a Democratic Whip, and was on the House Select Leadership Committee, Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, the Acadiana Delegation, and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus.

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Statement on Governor Landry’s Rejection of the Summer Food Program

Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman issues statement on Governor Landry’s rejection of the Summer Food Program:

For Immediate Release

Contact Daniel Carpenter,   daniel@lademo.org

Governor Landry’s rejection of the USDA’s Summer (EBT) assistance affects an estimated 594,000 children in Louisiana, according to the USDA. Louisiana is one of 15 states led by Republican governors who have opted out of the Summer EBT program. 

“We are turning down $71 million dollars to feed poor children in our state, that makes no sense”, says Katie Bernhardt, Chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. 

“This isn’t a bag of money that is dropping into our laps, this is money that our Louisiana citizens pay in federal taxes, so essentially, we are turning down money to feed Louisiana children that Louisiana businesses would be providing,with money already paid by Louisiana taxpayers”, Bernhardt said. 

“Louisiana is at the bottom when it comes to poverty among its citizens, the rejection of this program will negatively impact children who need consistent access to nutritious food to be healthy now and throughout their lives. It’s hard for me to see any scenario where it’s better for children to be hungry when there is any possible alternative!”–

Louisiana Democratic Party
Communications Team
225-336-4155

Second Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature starts Monday

Here’s what you need to know:

2024 Presidential Preference Primary – March 23

Here’s some information about this year’s Presidential preference primary.

There’s still time to get registered to vote! Head to iwillvote.com!