Current:Home > MarketsRandal Gaines defeats Katie Bernhardt to become new chair of Louisiana Democratic Party -WealthGrow Network
Randal Gaines defeats Katie Bernhardt to become new chair of Louisiana Democratic Party
View
Date:2025-04-13 03:18:37
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The Louisiana Democratic Party has new leadership.
Randal Gaines, a former state representative, was selected Saturday as the political group’s new chair after a set of procedural moves ended with him being the only candidate nominated for the position. His selection ousted Katie Bernhardt, who had been chair for the past four years, The Advocate reported.
“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,” Gaines said in a statement afterward.
Bernhardt, in an interview with the newspaper, expressed no ill will at Saturday’s result.
“He should have the support of everyone in the Democratic Party,” Bernhardt said of Gaines. “There are elections in November, and we need to keep our eye on electing Democrats and not fighting each other.”
Bernhardt had faced criticism since last fall’s elections, when Jeff Landry was elected governor and Republicans won a super-majority in both the House and the Senate. Republicans now hold all statewide offices and a 73-32 advantage in the House and a 28-11 majority in the Senate. Democrats in Louisiana have not held so few seats in more than 100 years.
Gaines, 68, termed out of the state House last year after serving 12 years representing LaPlace. He became known to party activists by spending the past four years as one of the party’s two liaisons with the Democratic National Committee.
veryGood! (4663)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- How Silicon Valley fervor explains Elizabeth Holmes' 11-year prison sentence
- Have you invested in crypto on FTX or other platforms? We want to hear from you
- 'God of War Ragnarok' Review: A majestic, if sometimes aggravating, triumph
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Elon Musk allows Donald Trump back on Twitter
- U.S. bans the sale and import of some tech from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE
- Why Jana Kramer Believes Her Ex-Husband Would Have Cheated Forever If They Stay Married
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Arrest of ex-Pakistan leader Imran Khan hurls country into deadly political chaos
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Jennifer Aniston Says BFF Adam Sandler Calls Her Out Over Dating Choices
- The Game Awards 2022: The full list of winners
- Emily Ratajkowski Reveals Her Most Dramatic Look Yet With New Pixie Haircut
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Batman is dead and four new heroes can't quite replace him in 'Gotham Knights'
- Get Sweat-Proof Makeup That Lasts All Day and Save 52% on These Tarte Top-Sellers
- Selena Gomez Is a Blushing Bride in Only Murders in the Building Behind-the-Scenes Photos
Recommendation
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Jennifer Aniston Says BFF Adam Sandler Calls Her Out Over Dating Choices
Have you invested in crypto on FTX or other platforms? We want to hear from you
Transcript: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Face the Nation, May 7, 2023
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
San Francisco supervisors bar police robots from using deadly force for now
Karaoke night is coming to Apple Music, the company says
See Bella Hadid Celebrate 5-Month Sobriety Milestone