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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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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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LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT DENOUNCING TRUMP’S RECKLESS FREEZE ON FEDERAL FUNDING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT DENOUNCING TRUMP’S RECKLESS FREEZE ON FEDERAL FUNDING

Chair Gaines: “This is not leadership — it’s deliberate destruction”

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Democratic Party strongly denounces President Donald Trump’s reckless call for a freeze on federal funding, a move that threatens to devastate communities all across our state. The freeze, which targets critical infrastructure, disaster relief, healthcare, and education funding, puts Louisiana families at risk and undermines the state’s economic stability.

“Donald Trump’s demand to block federal funding is a direct attack on hardworking Louisianans,” said Randal Gaines, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. “From disaster recovery to healthcare access, our state relies on federal support to rebuild, grow, and thrive. This political stunt could halt crucial funding for hurricane recovery, delay infrastructure projects, and cut off vital resources for our schools and hospitals.”

Louisiana is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a funding freeze:

• Disaster Recovery Jeopardized: Louisiana depends on federal disaster relief funds to rebuild after hurricanes and floods. A funding freeze could stall recovery efforts, leaving families and businesses stranded.
• Infrastructure Projects at Risk: Ongoing projects, including bridge repairs and coastal restoration, could face indefinite delays, harming local economies and public safety.
• Healthcare Funding Cuts: Medicaid, rural hospitals, and community health centers rely on federal dollars to serve Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations. A funding freeze could force clinics to close and limit access to essential care.
• Education and Public Services Threatened: Federal support for schools, meal programs, and teacher funding could be slashed, hurting Louisiana’s students and educators.

“This is not leadership — it’s deliberate destruction,” added Gaines. “Trump is playing politics with people’s lives, and Louisiana will suffer the consequences. He continues to make reckless, uninformed decisions with no regard for the damaging consequences. We urge our Republican leaders to stand up for their constituents and reject this dangerous move.”

A federal judge in the District of Columbia has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to freeze these funds. The judge has said she would render a more permanent decision on Monday, February 3.

The Louisiana Democratic Party calls on Congress — and our state leaders — to reject Trump’s reckless proposal and protect the funding that Louisiana families, businesses, and communities depend on.

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LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP

Chair Gaines: “Trump isn’t looking out for Louisianans – he’s only looking out for himself”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. As Trump prepares to enact his extreme and unpopular Day One agenda, Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“Donald Trump isn’t looking out for Louisianans – he’s only looking out for himself and his billionaire backers. Louisianans want lower prices, but Trump’s reckless plans will hike costs while threatening critical programs our state relies on. 

“After campaigning on supporting working Louisianans, Donald Trump has shown us exactly who he is by assembling the wealthiest cabinet in United States history to rip the American people off. From Day One, Trump is making clear he intends to use the might of the U.S. Government to further the interests of the ultra-wealthy – like himself – at the expense of everyone else. Unfortunately for us, Louisiana Republican extremists like Mike Johnson can’t govern without Trump’s approval and will do nothing to stop him, further hurting our state. 

“Today, and every day, Louisiana Democrats will stand up to Trump and his cohorts whenever they put their personal agendas above the interests of the great people of our state.”

Trump’s billionaire cabinet will help him rig the economy for the ultra-rich and big corporations, hike costs, and skyrocket inflation.

• Trump’s administration includes more billionaires than any other in American history, with a combined net worth that exceeds the GDP of 172 different countries.
  
• Trump and his incoming team are also threatening access to health care and critical earned benefits like Social Security — after Trump tried to gut both the last time he was in office.
  
• And after giving away billions to the ultra-wealthy during his first term, Trump is doubling down on plans to give tax handouts for billionaires and big corporations as economists warn he’s setting up an inflation bomb to wreck the economy.

Trump has vowed to impose an expensive national tax on his first day in office, drastically raising the cost of critical goods like groceries and gas, while hurting small businesses.

• Trump is already walking back promises to lower costs, instead pledging a $100 billion national tax on Americans.

• Trump vowed to enact widespread tariffs as soon as he takes office in January, a move that economists warn will jack up costs for just about every type of import – from food and cars to computers and gas.

• Trump’s disastrous plans would raise prices on necessities like groceries and gas, costing American families an extra $1,300 a year.

As he prepares to take office, Donald Trump is cashing in on the power of the presidency for his own financial gain – ripping off regular people in the process. 

• Ahead of his inauguration, Donald Trump announced a crypto token that allows people to “transfer money to the president’s family in connection with his office,” raising widespread concern among legal ethics experts.
• The token, known as a “meme coin,” has “no economic or transactional value and is often seen as a means of speculative trading.”
• Trump is now planning massive giveaways to his special interest backers and billionaire friends, “working closely” with corporations to write legislation to further deregulate the crypto industry. 

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LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON JEFF LANDRY’S PROCLAMATION TO FLY THE MAGA FLAG AT LOUISIANA GOVERNOR’S MANSION ON JANUARY 20

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

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT ON JEFF LANDRY’S PROCLAMATION TO FLY THE MAGA FLAG AT LOUISIANA GOVERNOR’S MANSION ON JANUARY 20

Chair Gaines: Landry’s actions “completely inappropriate and reckless”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, Governor Jeff Landry issued an official proclamation that he will fly the “Make America Great Again” flag at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion on January 20, Donald Trump’s inauguration day.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines released the following statement:

“It is imperative that Louisiana Democrats object to Governor Landry’s decision to fly the MAGA flag at the Governor’s mansion, which is a state-owned facility. ’Make America Great Again’, or MAGA, is a campaign slogan, and not associated with an official governmental entity. 

“Furthermore, MAGA has been associated with conspiratorial, inaccurate, ruthless propaganda and organizations that employ harmful violent tactics, including the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The MAGA movement has had a divisive, destructive impact on this great nation — and undoubtedly, it will continue to have a negative impact on our country’s future. With the looming threats of Project 2025 and extremist Republicans seeking to further harm our state, we can’t let this happen. 

“I’m calling on all Louisianans to send Jeff Landry a message: Flying the MAGA flag at the Governor’s Mansion is completely inappropriate and reckless. It does not represent our best interests, nor does it embody the behavior and values we should be embracing as proud Louisianans.” 

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