Author: admin

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

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS
“The goals and objectives of the Louisiana Democratic Party are now more vital and important than ever before”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party released the following statement:

“Today is a deeply sad, disappointing, and unsettling day for our country and state. Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and historic candidacy are the best America has ever seen, and we are deeply proud to have stood by her, Tim Walz, and the countless Democrats here in Louisiana and nationwide who believe in everything she stands for. She brought a kind of joy, excitement, and exemplary grace to our political process that inspired and energized so many. 

“Even in times like these, there’s no doubt that Kamala Harris’ vision for a better country will remain with us, and we won’t let those dreams die after the dust settles from this election. The enduring principles and ideals of equity, opportunity, justice, and hope will still serve as our driving force — despite the threats posed by Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, Jeff Landry, Mike Johnson, and the extremists who bow down to their every will. 

“Here in Louisiana, there are some victories to be proud of yesterday, with the re-election of U.S. Rep. Troy Carter in our 2nd Congressional District, as well as the historic election of Cleo Fields in our newly redrawn 6th Congressional District. Louisiana Democrats will need to work extremely closely with them to push back against the dangers Project 2025 and MAGA Republicans will undoubtedly bring upon us, and hopefully, they’ll be able to make substantial progress in a Democratic majority once the remaining U.S. House races are called.

“Make no mistake — the goals and objectives of the Louisiana Democratic Party are now more vital and important than ever before. We still have the power to fight for the needs, rights, and freedoms of those who are underserved and underrepresented. We will persist and persevere in pursuit of these vital goals with resilience and determination. And we’ll need the help of everyone in Louisiana who cares to do so.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS
November 5, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE BIG WINS AND SUCCESSFULLY GROW CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION WITH CLEO FIELDS VICTORY, TROY CARTER RE-ELECTION
Chair Gaines: “This moment is the culmination of hundreds of years of hard work”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Tonight, as we wait on the full presidential election results and process the results for other key Louisiana races, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“We are overwhelmed with excitement to celebrate Cleo Fields for his outright victory in our newly re-drawn majority-minority district. This moment is the culmination of hundreds of years of hard work for civil rights and fair representation, and we look forward to having another strong Democrat in our congressional delegation. Louisiana Democrats should see this as a huge win for our state and the progress our party is making.

“A big congratulations as well to Troy Carter on his re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Carter is a true voice of the people and a champion for our state. We will continue to work with him to get more federal aid and attention for Louisiana families and children.

“We want to sincerely thank Nick Laborde, Mel Manuel, and Sadi Summerlin for running. While they came up short today, we hope they remain active in Democratic politics, and we look forward to supporting their future efforts. They are the future of the Louisiana Democratic Party, and we are proud of what they stand for and the campaigns they ran.

“When it comes to the Presidential race, we are confident Kamala Harris will emerge victorious and become the first woman President of the United States. While our state did not deliver electoral votes for her, we are proud of all the Louisianans who showed their support for her powerful leadership and vision of a new way forward for our country. 

“We remain encouraged and hopeful for a historic victory, and we look forward to working with the Harris Administration hand-in-hand to improve the lives of Louisianans — from greater tax cuts and lower costs for working families, to fighting extremist Republican efforts to further take away our fundamental rights and freedoms.

“This election is a choice between two different leaders and visions: Vice President Harris, who is fighting for you, and Donald Trump, who is focused on his own problems and grievances instead of the American people. Democrats will not sleep until every eligible vote is protected and counted in this election, and we will keep working with the DNC and our friends in the swing states to help see this process through securely and fairly. Let’s stay strong.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

DNC ANNOUNCES FIVE-FIGURE INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR FINAL PUSH IN NOVEMBER

The $55,000 investment in Louisiana is part of historic investments from the DNC in all 57 states and territories this cycle to fund coordinated campaigns in the final stretch

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, the Democratic National Committee announced $55,000 in funding to the Louisiana Democratic Party, along with investments to dozens of states. This investment rounds out the DNC’s mission to deliver funding and resources to all 57 states and territories for the first time ever in a single cycle. 

The DNC is investing $55,000 for the Louisiana Democratic Party to expand its organizing program to help the state party engage with voters across the new 6th Congressional District, Louisiana’s new majority-Black Congressional district. This will be essential to increase turnout to build Democratic infrastructure in the district and the state as a whole. 

This infusion of GOTV funding for the Louisiana Democratic Party comes on top of a 25 percent increase in yearly state party investment from the DNC. Under Chair Harrison’s leadership, the DNC has delivered the largest-ever investment in state parties cycle-to-date as Democrats across the country continue to be energized and excited to send Vice President Harris and Governor Walz to the White House and elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

Leveraging its record-breaking fundraising, the DNC is announcing an additional $2.5 million worth of investments in key states in the run-up to Election Day, the latest tranche of funding as part of the DNC’s historic multi-million dollar investment cycle-to-date for targeted resource deployment. These funds, allocated to both traditionally red and blue states, will help strengthen coordinated campaigns and boost Democratic wins in down-ballot races, like in Louisiana.

“The DNC is committed to electing Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, and ensuring Democrats have the resources to run competitive races across the map in red and blue states alike,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “The investment we’re announcing today in the Louisiana Democratic Party shows these priorities in action. Louisiana Democrats will ensure working families can get ahead, while standing up to Trump and Republicans’ extreme agenda to rip away Americans’ most fundamental rights. With Vice President Harris at the helm and record-breaking investments in coordinated campaigns, the DNC and Democratic state parties across the country have the momentum to strengthen coordinated operations in the critical final stretch to November to deliver wins for Democrats and all Louisianians.”

“We are grateful to the DNC and Chair Jaime Harrison for investing in our state,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “Since taking office 5 months ago, the new Louisiana Democratic Party leadership and I have been working hard to rebuild relationships, demonstrate our political prowess and organizing, and show our national friends that we can be a reliable partner who is worthy of trust and impactful investments. Sizeable investments like these are clear indicators that what we’re doing is working. With this national support — and the help of all the Louisiana Democrats fired up for a Harris-Walz administration — we can flip the 6th Congressional District, secure Democrats’ chances of taking back the House, and make Mike Johnson the Speaker no more.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

NATIONAL AND LOCAL DEMOCRATS SPEAK OUT AGAINST NEW LOUISIANA LAW CRIMINALIZING
LIFE-SAVING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE MEDICATION
Louisiana set to make history as first state to criminalize possession of misoprostol, mifepristone, and other
medications that treat women’s health needs

BATON ROUGE, LA — On Tuesday, October 1, Louisiana will make history as the first state to reclassify mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances, due to the passage of Republican-led Senate Bill 276 during the 2024 Legislative Session.

These safe medications, with no potential for abuse or dependence, are used for routine conditions, emergencies, and to prevent women from bleeding out after giving birth or having a miscarriage.  

Dr. Jennifer Avegno, ER physician and head of the New Orleans Health Department, says that for a hemorrhaging mother, “That drug is now going to be in some kind of locked cabinet, which means that likely a nurse or somebody will have to leave the bedside, run down the hall or wherever the locked cabinet is located, and do a series of steps to access the medication and bring it back… those extra minutes could mean life or death.”

It’s a stark reality that Louisiana has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. In Louisiana, four black mothers die for every white mother. Hemorrhaging, a condition that accounted for 17% of pregnancy-related maternal deaths from 2011-2016, is a serious concern.  Women with hypertension, who are at an increased risk of maternal death, can’t use one of the primary alternatives to these medications. 

More than 200 doctors sent a letter to legislators this past spring, urging them to reconsider the reclassification. Their advice was clear: This decision would be detrimental to women’s health. Yet, Republican politicians chose to disregard their expertise and the potential consequences. 

“This is not just a policy change, but a blatant disregard for the well-being of every person of childbearing age and those who care for them. The impact on women’s health cannot be overstated,” said Pamela Steeg, Co-Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party Women’s Caucus. “This is not a distant concern, but an urgent matter that demands our immediate attention.”

“Thanks to Donald Trump, who proudly claims credit for ripping away women’s freedoms, we in Louisiana live in constant fear of losing even more rights. Already our state has one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country — which provides no exceptions for rape or incest and has created a dangerous and difficult environment for women seeking care,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “This new law is a harrowing preview of how much worse things could get under Governor Landry and the extreme GOP leadership. Criminalizing possession of these medications, which have a wide range of uses to protect women’s health, will; further endanger the lives of Louisianians.”

Harris-Walz 2024 Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said, “Let’s be clear: Trump is the reason Louisiana women who are suffering from miscarriages or bleeding out after birth can no longer receive the critical care they would have received before Trump overturned Roe. Because of Trump, doctors are scrambling to find solutions to save their patients and are left at the whims of politicians who think they know better. Trump is proud of what he’s done. He brags about it. And if he wins, he will threaten to bring the crisis he created for Louisiana women to all 50 states.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

HARRIS CAMPAIGN WEIGHS IN ON LOUISIANA REPUBLICANS’ CRIMINALIZATION OF LIFE-SAVING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE MEDICATION
“Louisiana is unfortunately now THE cautionary tale for the rest of the United States.”

BATON ROUGE, LA — On Tuesday, September 3, The Louisiana Illuminator published an article detailing their interviews with countless doctors across Louisiana worried about treating patients — and potentially saving lives — now that Governor Jeff Landry and House Republicans have passed a law criminalizing misoprostol, mifepristone, and other medications that treat women’s health needs. 

Misoprostol and mifepristone are prescribed for a number of medical scenarios — they are an essential part of reproductive healthcare that can be used during emergencies, as well as for miscarriage treatment, labor induction, stopping postpartum hemorrhage, and IUD insertion. But because they are also used for abortion, these drugs have been targeted by conservatives in Louisiana — an unprecedented move for a medication that routinely saves lives.

When the criminalization law, SB276 by State Senator Thomas Pressly, passed the Louisiana legislature in May, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines said, “This action by extreme House Republicans is yet another example of their pursuit to take away reproductive freedoms for women in Louisiana. Thanks to Donald Trump, who proudly claims credit for ripping away women’s freedoms, women in Louisiana live in constant fear of losing even more rights. Already our state has one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country…and these actions are a harrowing preview of how much worse things could get under Governor Landry and the extreme GOP leadership. Criminalizing possession of these medications, which have a wide range of uses to protect women’s health, could further endanger the lives of Louisianians.”

And it has. As shown in the article, doctors and pharmacists are already scrambling to come up with postpartum hemorrhage policies that will comply with the law while still providing proper medical care for women, fearing that new mothers across the state will suffer.

Also yesterday, the Harris-Walz campaign weighed in on this critical issue, highlighting the “confusion and angst” over new Louisiana law, and placing the blame squarely on Donald Trump and those that push his policies, like the Project 2025 agenda. 

Harris-Walz 2024 Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said, “Let’s be clear: Trump is the reason Louisiana women who are suffering from miscarriages or bleeding out after birth can no longer receive the critical care they would have received before Trump overturned Roe. Because of Trump, doctors are scrambling to find solutions to save their patients and are left at the whims of politicians who think they know better. Trump is proud of what he’s done. He brags about it. And if he wins, he will threaten to bring the crisis he created for Louisiana women to all 50 states.”

Shortly after, the Louisiana Democratic Party released a statement saying, “Thank you, Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, for echoing the truth. The country is now getting a glimpse of what we’ve been dealing with under the Trumpian dangerous duo of Jeff Landry and Liz Murrill. Louisiana is unfortunately now THE cautionary tale for the rest of the United States.”

The new legislation empowers the state government to monitor every pregnant woman prescribed misoprostol and mifepristone, and people possessing abortion medication could be criminalized and jailed for years — including a woman’s friends and family members. The law goes into effect on October 1.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS ENERGIZED & ACTIVATED OVER VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS’ UNDENIABLE DEBATE WIN OVER DONALD TRUMP
Chair Gaines: “The path to a better country runs through Louisiana”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Tonight, Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris decisively won the debate against convicted felon and insurrectionist Republican nominee Donald Trump – communicating a new way forward to the American people that protects our freedoms and ensures every person has the opportunity not to just get by, but to get ahead. 

She held Donald Trump accountable for his dangerous Project 2025 agenda that would roll back Americans’ rights and freedoms, hurt the middle class, and threaten our democracy.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines issued the following statement: 

“Kamala Harris just stepped off the debate stage, where she wiped the floor with Donald Trump — and tonight, she showed Louisianans what a new way forward could look like. 

“As Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every issue that matters to the American people, Louisiana voters saw two visions for our state and country on the debate stage, and the contrast couldn’t be clearer: Trump barely articulated a coherent thought, much less a coherent vision for the American people – instead spewing lies, conspiracy theories, and talking about himself. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris spoke to us about how a Harris-Walz administration will fight for reproductive rights, lower the costs of healthcare and groceries, and make wealthy corporations and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes, all while cutting taxes for the middle class. 

“Vice President Harris decisively won tonight’s debate, and the Louisiana Democratic Party is ready to help her carry this momentum through November. We’re all in to ensure every neighborhood in Louisiana is buzzing with enthusiasm, help elect the first woman President, and deliver a blue Congress on Day One of her administration. The path to a better country runs through Louisiana.”

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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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