Louisiana Democratic Party Vows to Join National Democrats to Fight Back Against Trump’s Executive Overreach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org
LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY VOWS TO JOIN NATIONAL DEMOCRATS TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE OVERREACH
Chair Gaines: “We are working diligently to develop bold and aggressive strategies”
BATON ROUGE, LA — In response to President Trump’s reckless and unconstitutional attempts to freeze federal funding for vital grants and programs, as well as the flurry of his unconstitutional and inappropriate executive orders, the Louisiana Democratic Party stands in full support of the nationwide efforts to resist these dangerous decisions.
Following a recent emergency meeting, where Minority Leader U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called for a “legal fight, a legislative fight, and a street fight,” House Democrats launched a multilateral effort to combat the flood of executive actions from President Trump, vowing to punch back through legislation, lawsuits, and a blitz of counter-messaging. Louisiana Democrats are prepared to amplify these efforts and push back through every available avenue.
Trump’s efforts to freeze billions in federal funding were met with swift legal action, resulting in a federal judge blocking the move. While this is a big win for Democrats, and the American people, this is only the beginning of the battle against an administration determined to dismantle the federal government in favor of its own radical agenda and billionaire backers. The Louisiana Democratic Party is mobilizing alongside national Democratic leadership, advocacy groups, and legal allies to counter Trump’s extreme agenda.
Randal Gaines, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, released the following statement:
“Our Louisiana Democratic Party leadership team, alongside our DNC members, is currently attending the National DNC Winter Reorganizational Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. In addition to electing a new DNC Chair to lead our party forward, we are working diligently to develop bold and aggressive strategies to combat and dismantle Trump’s reckless and harmful actions.
“It is critical that our national Democratic leadership and grassroots base mobilize to achieve the highest voter turnout on record in the upcoming midterm elections to reclaim Congress. To halt — and ultimately reverse — the damage and dire consequences caused by Trump’s irresponsible and ineffective leadership, we must build to win.”
Please join the Louisiana Democratic Party in informing voters of the real-world effects of Trump’s actions. Learn more at louisianadems.org.
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NEWS: Louisiana Democratic Party Congratulates New DNC Chair Ken Martin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org
LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONGRATULATES NEW DNC CHAIR KEN MARTIN
Chair Gaines: “Ken is the leader we need now and for the future”
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD — Today, the voting members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) elected Ken Martin as their new party Chair. Out of 428 votes cast, Martin achieved a resounding victory on the first ballot with 246 votes, or 57.5% of the vote.
Ken Martin is a dedicated Democrat with decades of experience strengthening the party and fighting for working families. As outgoing Chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, President of the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC), and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, he has been a key leader in Democratic politics. His career began with Senator Paul Wellstone’s campaign in 1990, leading to roles in Minnesota and national politics, including organizing for the Clinton/Gore campaign and serving as Political & Field Director for the DFL.
A pro-labor progressive and experienced strategist, Ken led the successful Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment campaign in 2008 and has consistently championed policies benefiting working families. With a strong track record in fundraising and grassroots organizing, he believes the Democratic Party must reconnect with working-class voters and effectively communicate its message. He brings proven leadership, deep party relationships, and a commitment to revitalizing Democratic engagement nationwide.
Louisiana’s five DNC members were all present and voting:
“We are excited and honored to welcome Ken Martin as the new Chair of the DNC,” said Randal Gaines, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair. ”It’s clear that Ken knows exactly how to grow our party’s vision and infrastructure, especially when it comes to supporting state parties. We need a leader who can connect with working-class voters, communicate our message more effectively, and restore faith in the party — and Ken is that leader we need now and for the future. Louisiana Democrats look forward to working with him to deliver Democratic wins for our state and beyond.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Ken Martin over the past year, and I can say with absolute confidence that he is the best person to lead our party through this critical time for our country. Ken has the vision, the drive, and the heart to unite us all in standing up for what’s right,” said Katie Darling, Louisiana Democratic Party 1st Vice Chair.
“Congratulations to our newly elected DNC Chair Ken Martin. I know he will do what is necessary to ensure our party’s success in subsequent elections by focusing on those kitchen-table issues that impact all Americans!” said Rep. Kyle Green, Jr., Louisiana Democratic Party DNC Committeeman.
“Congratulations to Ken Martin on being elected as the new DNC Chair,” said Michele Johnson, Louisiana Democratic Party DNC Committeewoman. “I’m excited to watch him scale up his successes in Minnesota to states across the country, investing in ALL states (not just the swing states), and working with his office as we craft and execute a strategic plan for Louisiana.”
“If it weren’t for Ken Martin carrying the charter for High School Democrats to exist, I wouldn’t be a DNC member today. I’m ready to get to work with our newly elected Chair!” said Neal Tandon, High School Democrats of America Vice Chair.
The rest of the DNC’s new officers will be elected later today. Learn more about Ken Martin at kenforchair.com.
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Donald Trump found guilty of all 34 charges in hush money trial
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org
LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON DONALD TRUMP’S CONVICTION
Chair Gaines: Party is “hard at work doing our part to defeat Trump”
BATON ROUGE, LA — Following Thursday’s news surrounding the jury verdict of Donald Trump’s hush money trial, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines today issued the following statement:
“Trump’s guilty verdicts on all 34 felony counts by jurors in New York State Court demonstrate that no one person, regardless of status or former elected position, is above the requirements of obeying the law.
The untenable, unjustifiable, and unreasonable defenses that have been offered by Trump’s supporters further denote that his MAGA republican base has not only completely lost their moral compass in pursuit of political power, they are willing to compromise and forego the rule of law.
The only way to defeat Trump is at the ballot box. Louisiana Democrats are hard at work doing our part to ensure Trump never returns to office again.”
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Senator Cleo Fields, who heads the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, described HB800 as essentially dead.
“HB800 will not be heard in this session of the Legislature,” Fields said in an interview with WBRZ after his panel met Tuesday. “We are going to have another meeting tomorrow but I don’t intend to put it on the agenda and I don’t intend to put it on the agenda for the rest of this session. There may be some other moves that may be made before the session is over with, but as far as 800, that bill will not be heard this session.”
The full article can be found at: https://www.wbrz.com/…/sen-cleo-fields-says-house-bill…/
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.
Louisiana Democratic Party is pleased to announce the hiring of Drew Prestridge as the new Interim Executive Director!
Today, the Louisiana Democratic Party is pleased to announce the hiring of Drew Prestridge as the new Interim Executive Director! Prestridge was recommended by Chair Gaines and approved with no objections by the newly-elected members of the party’s Executive Committee. Prestridge will lead the party through the current leadership transition and the upcoming November 2024 elections.
A native of Lafayette, Prestridge rejoins the LDP after having served as the party’s Finance Director during former Governor John Bel Edwards’ historic gubernatorial win in 2015. Prestridge is a skilled fundraiser and campaign expert, having spent the last 14 years helping several Democratic campaigns and candidates in Louisiana and across the country.
“Drew Prestridge brings the experience, knowledge, and work ethic our state party needs to rebuild and grow,” said Gaines. “I have a great deal of confidence in Drew to unify the party, set us up for success, and secure big wins for Democrats this fall.”
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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Second Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature starts Monday
Here’s what you need to know:
