Louisiana Democrats: Randal Gaines Calls for Renewal Amid Declining Influence

Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines addressed the Baton Rouge Press Club on September 23, 2024, emphasizing the need for revitalization within the party, which has faced declining influence for nearly four decades.

Speaking from LaPlace, Gaines highlighted his commitment to engaging younger voters, particularly those aged 18 to 35, as a critical strategy for rebuilding the party’s support.

Gaines stressed the importance of broadening the party’s appeal through town hall meetings and direct conversations with voters.

Our goal is to re-attract those who have left the party, but more importantly to attract those younger voters who are looking for answers to the issues that matter to them, he stated.

The Democratic Party’s electoral power has significantly diminished since the 1980s, with no majority in Louisiana’s congressional delegation since the 1990s and a lack of representation in the state legislature since 2010.

Despite holding a slight edge in registered voters 1,130,553 Democrats compared to 1,035,961 Republicans many Democrats are switching affiliations or identifying as independent.

According to pollster John Couvillon, the party has lost 58% of its voter plurality since 2021.

Gaines, who took over as chairman in April 2024 after defeating former chair Katie Bernhardt, is aware of the challenges ahead, especially following a disappointing election cycle in 2023, where Democrats lost all statewide offices and failed to field candidates in 44 statehouse races.

 

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