Year: 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO LAUNCH “PURGE PROTECTION PROJECT” TO HELP DISENFRANCHISED LOUISIANA VOTERS
Chair Gaines: “Louisiana isn’t as much of a red state as it is a non-voting state”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, on National Voter Registration Day, the Louisiana Democratic Party announced a new project with the Democratic National Committee to protect the voting rights of those Louisiana citizens who have recently been unfairly and unjustly purged from state voter rolls. 

Between now and the state voter registration deadline on October 15, the Louisiana Democratic Party will be leading a statewide effort to contact more than 13,000 inactive Democratic voters to notify them of their recent purge, encourage them to re-register, and provide important voting information for this fall’s election.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines issued the following statement: 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Democratic National Committee’s Civic Engagement and Voter Protection Department to launch this exciting project. In order for us to truly promote fair and accessible elections, we must ensure Louisiana citizens’ right to vote is not infringed by those seeking to diminish their voices. Early voting is just one month away, and so we’ll be working around the clock to help every eligible voter exercise their right this fall.

“The lies that Governor Jeff Landry, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, and Attorney General Liz Murrill tell about outside hackers, foreign actors, and ‘illegal aliens’ casting votes in Louisiana just isn’t true — it’s yet another effort to suppress the vote, spread misinformation, and keep their friends in power. The new voter registration laws these Republican extremists have recently passed will only disenfranchise more voters and could be used to levy unfounded allegations of fraud. Authorities have never found evidence of widespread voter fraud in Louisiana. 

“Landry and his cohorts got elected by suppressing the vote, and now, he’s trying to distract you from paying attention while he attacks the foundations of our democracy. They know that when we vote, we win, and that’s why they’re trying to make it harder for you to do just that. 

“But we know Louisiana isn’t as much of a red state as it is a non-voting state — and this fall, the Louisiana Democratic Party will be working tirelessly to get our people out to vote. We won’t stand by while Governor Landry and Louisiana Republicans continue to chip away at our rights to make our voices heard. 

“If you need to register, or know someone who does — go to iwillvote.com today and let’s have a strong National Voter Registration Day!”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENCOURAGES SEN. JOHN KENNEDY TO HIDE FOLLOWING XENOPHOBIC, DEGRADING COMMENTS TO ARAB-AMERICAN FEMALE CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER
Chair Gaines: “Absolutely shameful… Louisiana deserves better” 

BATON ROUGE, LA — Yesterday, Republican Sen. John Kennedy made a fool of himself in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes when he repeatedly badgered a leading Arab-American civil rights activist and told her she should “hide her head in a bag.”

The activist, Maya Berry of the Arab American Institute, repeatedly denounced any support for Hamas, Hezbollah, or any type of organization promoting violence and conflict in the Middle East, contrary to Kennedy’s claims — instead, pointing out that the fact that Kennedy’s line of questioning perfectly illustrated the need for the very hate crime hearing in which they both were present.

“Senator, oddly enough, I’m going to say thank you for that question, because it demonstrates the purpose of our hearing today in a very effective way. Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization that I do not support, but you asking the executive director of the Arab American Institute that question very much puts the focus on the issue of hate in our country. It’s regrettable that I, as I sit here, have experienced the very issue that we’re attempting to deal with today,” Berry said.

Instead of actually listening to Berry’s detailed and thoughtful responses, Kennedy baselessly pestered and chastised her for supporting violent terrorist organizations that she had repeatedly denounced, finally yelling at her, “You should hide your head in a bag.”

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines issued the following statement: 

“It is absolutely shameful that a United States Senator told a civil rights leader to ‘hide her head in a bag.’ If there’s anyone that should be hiding after making these kinds of comments and behavior, it’s Sen. Kennedy.

“Unfortunately, this kind of hateful, barbaric, degrading rhetoric is nothing new from the Republican party — just look no further than their presidential candidate, who regularly spews this kind of xenophobic language every day to the detriment of our democracy. Sen. Kennedy is one of the main offenders when it comes to replicating and amplifying Trump’s bigotry.

“Louisiana deserves better than to be represented by someone who so casually exhibits narrow-minded, insensitive behavior. It’s embarrassing. Sen. Kennedy’s comments aren’t in the best interest of trying to solve the crises in the Middle East, nor are they in the best interest of Louisianans all across this state who need him to be working for them. Trust us, we’ll remember this when he’s on the ballot in 2028.” 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY LAUNCHES “DO SOMETHING” GET OUT THE VOTE INITIATIVE
Statewide effort to engage voters through volunteering, social media, events, and more

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party will launch their new “Do Something Louisiana” initiative to help get out the vote for this fall’s elections, from the historic national presidential campaign of Kamala Harris, down to many of the other critical contested races here in Louisiana this year.

Inspired by the encouraging words of national Democratic leaders like former First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris, the state party will galvanize Louisiana voters to “Do Something” to help win this year’s elections by volunteering for Democratic campaigns, phone banking, writing postcards, engaging their networks on social media, hosting events, notifying purged voters, and more.

“At this year’s Democratic National Convention, we were inspired by our leaders echoing the wise words of Kamala Harris’ mother: ‘Don’t just sit around and complain. Do something.’ And that’s exactly what we’re asking Louisiana voters to do this fall,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Drew Prestridge. “The state party will have many opportunities to volunteer for the Harris Walz campaign, as well as for our endorsed Democratic candidates, including Mel Manuel (Cong. Dist. 1), Rep. Troy Carter (Cong. Dist. 2), Sadi Summerlin (Cong. Dist. 3), Sen. Cleo Fields (Cong. Dist. 6), and Nick Laborde (Public Service Commission Dist. 2.) We are ready to engage voters, raise the resources it takes to win, and Do Something for Louisianans across this state who deserve and need policy-makers who actually serve and work for them.”

“If you’re sick of Jeff Landry, if you’re tired of low voter turnout, and if you want to give Kamala Harris a Congress she can work with — then it’s time to Do Something,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “Michelle Obama said it best: ‘We don’t get to change the rules so we always win. If we see a mountain in front of us, we don’t expect there to be an escalator waiting to take us to the top. We put our heads down, we get to work, and we do something.’ The Louisiana Democratic Party is prepared to get out the vote, support our endorsed candidates best we can, and help give Kamala Harris a Congress she can work with from Day One. Join us!”

Visit LouisianaDems.org or follow the Louisiana Democratic Party on Facebook, Instagram, or X today to Do Something, Louisiana!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON FORMER REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN CHARLES BOUSTANY, JR. ENDORSING KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT
Chair Gaines: “Let Boustany’s example be an invitation to all Louisianans”

BATON ROUGE, LA — A few days ago, more than 100 former national security officials from Republican administrations and former Republican members of Congress endorsed Vice President Harris in a letter published by The New York Times, declaring Trump “unfit to serve again as president.”

“We believe that Kamala Harris possesses the essential qualities to serve as President and Donald Trump does not,” the Republicans wrote in their letter. “As president, he promoted daily chaos in government, praised our enemies and undermined our allies, politicized the military and disparaged our veterans, prioritized his personal interest above American interests, and betrayed our values, democracy, and this country’s founding documents.”

Among the names who signed the letter was former Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr., who represented Louisiana’s 3rd and 7th Congressional Districts for six terms from 2005-2017. 

Boustany said he voted for Trump in 2016, but now regrets it. “I didn’t want to do it because I saw what he was back then,” said Boustany. “I saw what he would do to the Republican Party, and also had concerns about international relations. And of course, he got into office and that all played out.” Boustany voted for Joe Biden in 2020.

According to a recent article in NOLA.com, “Boustany has little hope for his longtime party, though — even if Trump loses. There’s tremendous pressure in Congress to stick with the home team, he said, recalling veiled threats on occasions when he didn’t. More than that, he sees the GOP as having steered too far from its core principles… These are among the reasons he recently changed his voter registration from Republican to independent.”

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines issued the following statement: 

“I applaud former Congressman Boustany for standing his ground and putting principles over party by supporting Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. It’s noble and rare these days for any Republican to speak out against the former President — but it’s the right thing to do for the future of our country and state.

“Boustany is right when he says the GOP has steered too far from their core values, and consequently, he’s changed his party registration. This is the story I hear from many of you who feel the Republican Party has left you. Every week, I hear from multiple Louisianans across this state who are realizing that the party who actually represents their values, fights for their needs, and cares about their livelihoods is the Democratic Party.

“Let Boustany’s example be an invitation to all Louisianans — there is a place for you in the Louisiana Democratic Party, and we would love you to join our efforts to stand up and fight back against the extremist Republicans seeking to keep you down. Our state deserves it.”  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON KAMALA HARRIS’ VP PICK MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TIM WALZ
Chair Gaines: We are “ready to fight strongly alongside a Harris-Walz ticket”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Following today’s news of Vice President Kamala Harris’ announcement that she has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the 2024 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines today issued the following statement:
 

“Already this morning, countless Louisianans are enthusiastically sounding their excitement and support for adding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to our 2024 Democratic ticket. 

“Like me, Tim Walz served our country for more than two decades as an Army National Guard leader, also working in disaster response postings, like I did during Hurricane Katrina. He is a former teacher, coach, and extremely accomplished congressman and governor. Our current Louisiana statewide elected officials could learn a lot from his steadfast governing, coalition building, and effective policies that greatly help working families, women, and children. 

“Some pundits claim that vice presidential picks don’t matter, but this year, it’s clear that it’s never mattered more against the threats Donald Trump and J.D. Vance pose to our democracy and our future. The Louisiana Democratic Party is ready to fight strongly alongside a Harris-Walz ticket this fall as we stand poised to make immense progress for our country and our state.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DNC DELEGATION OVERWHELMING ENDORSES VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS
Chair Gaines: “We look forward to a productive, energizing, historic convention”

BATON ROUGE, LA — This evening, the Louisiana delegation to the Democratic National Convention met virtually, and by an overwhelming majority vote, officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be our 2024 Democratic Presidential Nominee.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines, who also chairs the Louisiana delegation to the convention, shared the following:
 
“We are grateful to President Joe Biden for his remarkable leadership, and we are committed to honoring his legacy by working tirelessly this fall to keep the White House in Democratic hands. I am proud to share that Louisiana’s Democratic delegates will join President Biden in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as our nominee. It’s time we come together, and by throwing our full support behind her, we can beat Donald Trump again and continue Joe Biden’s legacy of accomplishments and progress for our country. We look forward to a productive, energizing, and historic convention in which we nominate the first black woman as our Democratic nominee.”

The Democratic National Convention will occur from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. Vice President Harris and any individual seeking the presidential nomination must qualify to receive votes from convention delegates. The Louisiana delegation joins President Joe Biden, Congressman Troy Carter, and other significant organizations and elected officials in endorsing Vice President Harris. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN WITHDRAWING FROM 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Chair Gaines: “We will honor his legacy by beating Trump this November”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Following today’s news of Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election as President, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines today issued the following statement: 

“I, and all Louisiana Democrats, would like to thank President Joe Biden for his remarkable leadership. After we win this year’s election, history will remember Joe Biden and his outstanding record of progress for our country, his dedication to American democracy, and as one of the greatest Presidents in the history of America.  

“We are confident that Joe Biden’s legacy will inspire his successor to preserve and continue to advance his transformative economic, international, and legislative accomplishments, and that he will employ his experience and vast knowledge to ensure that Vice President Kamala Harris will continue to deliver tremendous leadership for our great nation as our next president.

“Joe Biden’s choice to step aside and endorse Kamala Harris isn’t just a leadership change; it’s a bold statement of our party’s future direction. Kamala Harris is now at the forefront of our battle against the extreme right-wing agenda that threatens our democracy, our rights, and our values — and we will honor Joe Biden’s legacy, and the decision that he has made today, by throwing our full support behind her in beating Donald Trump again this November.

We will reunite, realign, and refocus as a party, and continue to advance forward, stronger and more determined than ever.”

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Last month’s U.S. Supreme Court decision clearing the way for Louisiana to move forward with the new majority-Black 6th Congressional District was a huge victory for Democrats, and a positive turning point in the future direction of this state.

Changes in declared candidates in a high-profile race like this are inevitable, and now that Garrett Graves has bowed out, this race is an open seat — bringing Louisiana Democrats one step closer to flipping this seat and delivering a win for the people of the 6th Congressional District.

Other changes may happen as this race continues to take shape, but make no mistake — the Louisiana Democratic Party will employ every available resource to elect another Democrat to Louisiana’s congressional delegation this fall.

Help us #FlipThe6th >> https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nbi-lademo-2406-fr

This Saturday, our DSCC met to elect the remainder of our 2024 DNC Convention Delegation. Congrats to the PLEO (Party Leader & Elected Official) Winners, At-Large Winners, and Alternates! On to the national convention Aug 19-22 in Chicago. #DNC2024 #LADems