Release: Katie Bernhardt is Elected Chair of Louisiana Democratic Party

Katie Bernhardt Is Elected Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party

In a 127 to 51 vote, DSCC Members Choose a Lafayette Native Who Promises  “Big Tent” Democratic Party Politics, And an Active Role in Every Corner of the State  

Bernhardt: “I’m proud of my party. The final candidates for the top job are women …”  

BATON ROUGE, LA – Democrats in Louisiana today chose Katie Bernhardt, a Lafayette business owner and DSCC member from the Third Congressional District, to lead the state party for the next four years. Chair-elect Bernhardt said she and many DSCC members have been planning for the next phase.  

“Our first priority is to get Democrats elected, plain and simple. To be successful, we need a united party, and a strong organization,” Bernhardt said.

For starters, Bernhardt plans to develop a candidate recruitment and training program, implement a party structure that prioritizes voter engagement and efficiencies, and revitalize parish executive committees across the state to ensure Democrats are represented throughout Louisiana.

“Historically, the Democratic Party has been a ‘big tent’ party. I offer an outstretched hand to all who may not be with us at this moment, but who have always seen the Democratic Party as home,” Bernhardt said.  “These are perilous times. Our people need work, healthcare, safe schools for their children, a better quality of life in their neighborhoods and towns. From Bossier to Tensas, from Calcasieu to Orleans, Democrats will strive to make life better for working families in all of our 64 parishes.”

The party election was scheduled for August 29 but was postponed as Hurricane Laura made landfall on the Gulf Coast. With today’s election, new state party leadership has about seven weeks before the November elections. District 2 Congressman Cedric Richmond, National Co-Chair of the Biden-Harris Campaign, said Bernhardt’s leadership is essential in the sprint to November. 

“There is so much at stake for our state and nation in the November elections,” Congressman Richmond said. “If we are to be successful in the presidential race, and in down ballot races for the Senate and Congress, we must unify the party. Ms. Bernhardt is the perfect person to do that. Katie has demonstrated her hard work and commitment, and the party will benefit from her leadership,” he said. 

For more information on state party races, please visit www.louisianademocrats.org. To reach Katie Bernhardt and the Louisiana Democratic Party, please contact  info@lademo.org or (225) 255-3401.