The Governor of the State of Louisiana is an elected Constitutional officer, the head of the Executive branch, and the highest state office in Louisiana. The Governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is limited to two terms.
As of May 2013, Louisiana is one of 24 Republican state government trifectas.
Current officeholder
The current and 55th governor is Bobby Jindal, a Republican first elected in 2007.
Authority
The state Constitution addresses the office of the governor in Article IV, the Executive Department.
Under Article IV, Section 5(A):
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The governor shall be the chief executive officer of the state.
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Qualifications
Under Article IV, Section 2, a candidate for governor is required to:
- have attained the age of twenty-five years
- be an elector
- have been a citizen of the United States, and,
- have been a citizen of Louisiana for at least the preceding five years
The term of office of the governor of Louisiana is four years. During her tenure in office, a statewide elected official shall hold no other public office.
Elections
Louisiana is one of the handful of states that hold off-year elections, that is, elections in off-numbered years that are neither Presidential nor midterm years. In Louisiana's case, elections are held in the year after a midterm and before a Presidential; thus, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 are all gubernatorial election years. Legally, the inauguration is always held the second Monday in January after an election. Thus, January 14, 2008 and January 9, 2012 are inaugural days.
Term limits
- See also: States with gubernatorial term limits
Louisiana governors are restricted to two consecutive terms in office, after which they must wait one term before being eligible to run again.
Louisiana Constitution, Section IV, Section 3b
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| A person who has served as governor for more than one and one-half terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected governor for the succeeding term.
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Vacancies
- See also: How gubernatorial vacancies are filled
Details of vacancies are addressed under Article IV, Section 14.
When a vacancy occurs in the office of governor, the order of succession shall be:
(1) the elected lieutenant governor,
(2) the elected secretary of state,
(3) the elected attorney general,
(4) the elected treasurer,
(5) the presiding officer of the Senate,
(6) the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, and then
(7) as provided by law.
The successor shall serve the remainder of the term for which the governor was elected.
Duties
The governor has the right to grant reprieves, issue pardons, commute sentences, and return fines and forfeitures for crimes against the state. In this role, the governor serves as the court of last resort.
Additionally the governor serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the state, except when they are called into service of the federal government. He may call out these forces to preserve law and order, to suppress insurrection, to repel invasion, or in other times of emergency.
At the outset of each regular legislative session, the Governor must give an address to the General Assembly, including the condition of the state and its finances. The Governor may also include recommendations in her address and make such addresses at other times, such as the commencement of an extraordinary session.
The Governor also submits a budget to the legislature and may compel reports from department heads on any matter, save investigations into the governor's office.
Other duties and privileges of the office include:
- The power to make appointments, including recess appointments, with Senate confirmation
- Removing, at pleasure, any appointees who are currently serving
Divisions
Boards and Commissions
- The Department of Boards and Commissions processes and retains records of all appointments made by the Governor
| Contact Boards and Commissions | |
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| Sarah Olcott, Director
Phone: 225-342-0919
Department Mailing Address: Office of the Governor P.O. Box 94004 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: Office of the Governor 900 3rd Street
5th Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax: 225-342-8365
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Children's Cabinet
- The Children's Cabinet primary function is to coordinate children's policy across the five departments that provide services for young people: Departments of Education, Health and Hospitals, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Public Safety and Corrections, and Social Services. It also makes recommendations to the Children's Budget.
| Contact Children's Cabinet | |
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| Tiffany Simpson, Executive Director
Phone:225-342-3327
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Fax: 225-376-4924
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Coastal Activities
- The Office of Coastal Activities is charged with protection, restoration and conservation of coastal Louisiana.
| Contact Coastal Activities | |
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| Garret Graves, Director
Phone: 225-342-3968
Department Mailing Address: Coastal Activities
1051 N. Third St.
Capitol Annex Bldg, Suite 138
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Department Physical Address: Coastal Activities
1051 N. Third St.
Capitol Annex, Suite 138
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax: 225-342-5214
Email: goca@la.gov |
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Communications
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| Contact Communications | |
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| Melissa Sellers, Director
Phone:225-342-8006
Department Mailing Address: Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: Office of the Governor
900 3rd Street
4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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Constituent Services
- The Office of Constituent Services works to ensure that questions or concerns addressed to the Governor by the public are answered in a thorough and timely manner.
| Contact Constituent Services | |
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| Christina Karajman
Phone:225-342-0991
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA. 70804-9004
Fax: 225-342-7099
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Delta Regional Authority
- The Delta Regional Authority is in charge of improving economic development and quality of life for Delta region residents.
| Contact Delta Regional Authority | |
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| Doyle Robinson, Director
Phone: 318-435-2926
Department Mailing Address: 6570 Main Street
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Department Physical Address: 6570 Main Street
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Fax: 318-435-2927
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Drug Policy Board
- The Drug Policy Board formulates, develops and implements a plan of action to address the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in Louisiana. It is composed of legislators, medical professionals, law enforcement officials, and other department officials.
Disability Affairs
- The Office of Disability Affairs serves as an informational resource for the disability community and the agencies that serve them.
| Contact Disability Affairs | |
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| Brandon Burris, Executive Director
Phone: 225-219-7550
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004, Baton Rouge, LA 70804
150 Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax: 225-219-7551
Email: disability.affairs@la.gov |
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Education
Elderly Affairs
- The Office of Elderly Affairs serves as the focal point for the development, implementation, and administration of the public policy of the state of Louisiana addressing the needs of elderly citizens.
| Contact Elderly Affairs | |
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| Martha Manuel, Executive Director
Phone:225-342-7100
Department Mailing Address: GOEA
P.O. Box 61
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0061
Department Physical Address: 525 Florida Boulevard, 4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax: 225-342-7133
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Finance and Administration
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| Contact Finance and Administration | |
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| Terrence Ginn, Director
Phone: 225-342-7015
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: 900 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax: 225-342-5804
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Financial Institutions
- The Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) licenses and supervises entities under its jurisdiction in order to protect and serve the public interest and enhance confidence in the financial services industry.
| Contact Financial Institutions | |
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| John Ducrest, Commissioner
Phone: 225-925-4660
Department Mailing Address: Post Office Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
Department Physical Address: 8660 United Plaza Blvd.
Second Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-7024
Fax: 225-925-4548
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Human Rights Commission
- The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights handles complaints of employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sickle cell trait, pregnancy, child birth and related medical conditions. It also provides protection against discrimination in public accommodations and banking and lending.
| Contact Human Rights Commission | |
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| Loyce Pierce Wright, Executive Director
Phone: 225-342-6969/TTD 1-888-248-0859
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94094
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: 1001 N. 23rd St., Suite 262
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Fax: 225-342-2063
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Indian Affairs
- The Office of Indian Affairs is tasked with many duties related to Louisian's Indians, including administers programs related to Indians, makes recommendations to promote the welfare of Indians, and serving as official negotiating agent of the state.
| Contact Indian Affairs | |
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Phone: 225-219-8715
Department Mailing Address: Office of Indian Affairs
P.O.Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: Office of Indian Affairs
150 North Third St., Suite 713
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax: 225-219-7551
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Inspector General
- The Inspector General serves to help prevent waste, mismanagement, abuse, fraud and corruption in the executive branch of state government without regard to partisan politics, allegiances, status, or influence.
| Contact Inspector General | |
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| Stephen Street, Inspector General
Phone: 225-342-4262
Department Mailing Address: P.O.Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
Department Physical Address: 150 North Third St., Third Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax: 225-342-6761
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Legislative Office
- The Legislative Office works to ensure positive communication between the Governor's Office and the Louisiana Legislature.
| Contact Legislative Office | |
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Phone: 225-342-8360
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Department Physical Address: 900 North 3rd Street - 4th Floor
State Capitol
Fax: 225-342-2984
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Non-Public School Early Childhood Development
- The Non-Public School Early Childhood Development Program works to collaborate and partner with compliant nonpublic schools and class “a” daycares in providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool instruction and services to four-year-old children of TANF- eligible families.
| Contact Non-Public School Early Childhood Development | |
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| Petrouchka Moise, Program Director
Phone: 225-342-0425/1-800-758-6934
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Department Physical Address: 150 North Third Street, Room 107
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax: 225-342-5435
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- The Office of Community Programs provides coordination, accountability, collaboration, evaluation and communication to departments, agencies and citizens throughout the state.
| Contact Office of Community Programs | |
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| Tammy Woods, Director of Community Programs
Phone: 225-342-9507
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Department Physical Address: Louisiana State Capitol
900 North Third Street, 6th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA
Fax: 225-342-2984
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Press Office
- The Press Office handles inquiries from members of the news media.
| Contact Press Office | |
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| Melissa Sellers
Phone: 225-342-8006
Department Mailing Address: Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: Office of the Governor
900 3rd Street
4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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Louisiana Youth for Excellence
- The Office of Louisiana Youth for Excellence works with schools, non-profit and faith-based organizations, parents, and the community to teach goal setting, leadership development, character building and integrity.
| Contact Louisiana Youth for Excellence | |
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| Daniel Kirk, Executive Director
Phone: 225-219-5818
Department Mailing Address: Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Department Physical Address: 150 Third Street, Suite 129
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax: 225-219-4998
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Renewal Communities
- The renewal communities initiative promotes economic development by providing incentives to businesses that open, expand, and hire local residents in areas that have been identified with a history of poverty and high unemployment.
| Contact Renewal Communities | |
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| Doyle Robinson, Director
Department Mailing Address: 6570 Main Street
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Department Physical Address: 6570 Main Street
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Fax:
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Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities
- The Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities awards discretionary grants to non-profit organizations for programs that work to prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Scheduling
- Scheduling processes requests for the Governor's time and provides the Governor with a concise schedule.
| Contact Scheduling | |
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| Meg Vanderbrook, Director of Scheduling
Phone: 225-342-7015
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Department Physical Address: 900 N. Third St.
4th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Fax: 225-342-8320
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State Interagency Coordinating Council
- The State Interagency Coordinating Council works in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, in an advisory capacity, to design and oversee the implementation of a family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, interagency service delivery system for infants and toddlers (birth through two) who are eligible for Part C services, and their families.
| Contact State Interagency Coordinating Council | |
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| Christie Smith, Executive Director
Phone: 225-219-7560
Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1509
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Department Physical Address: 150 North Third Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax: 225-219-7561
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Statewide Independent Living Council
- The Statewide Independent Living Council was established to support the efforts of our citizens with disabilities to live independently in the community of their choice.
| Contact Statewide Independent Living Council | |
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Phone: 1-800-579-5611
Department Mailing Address: Louisiana Statewide Independent Living Council
Governor's Office of Disability Affairs
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Fax: 225-219-7551
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Women's Policy
- The Office of Women's Policy is tasked with improving the quality of life for women children and families by providing research-based leadership in the areas of health and safety, economics, and education.
Compensation
- See also: Comparison of gubernatorial salaries and Compensation of state executive officers
The governor's pay is set by law, under § 4; changes to pay may not take effect until the commencement of the subsequent gubernatorial term.
2012
In 2012, the governor was paid an estimated $130,000. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.
2010
As of 2010, the governor of Louisiana is paid $130,000 a year, the 24th highest gubernatorial salary in America.
Former officeholders
There are eight governing periods in Louisiana history:[1]
- French Period - 1699-1766
- Spanish Period - 1766-1803
- French Interim Period - 11/30 - 12/20/1803
- Statehood/Antebellum Period - 1812-1861
- Confederate Governors - 1861-1865
- United States Wartime Military Governors - 1862-1865
- Military Occupation Period - 1865-1877
- Governors Since 1877
The following chart details the last period. From 1877 to 2011, there have been 34 Governors of Louisiana. Of those, 4 were Republicans and 30 were Democrats.
Click "show" for former officeholders.
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Name
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Took office
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Left office
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Party
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Francis T. Nicholls
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1877
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1880
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Democrat
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| 2
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Louis Alfred Wiltz
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1880
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1881
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Democrat
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| 3
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Samuel Douglas McEnery
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1881
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1888
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Democrat
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| 4
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Francis T. Nicholls
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1888
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1892
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Democrat
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| 5
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Murphy James Foster
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1892
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1900
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Democrat
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| 6
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William Wright Heard
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1900
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1904
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Democrat
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| 7
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Newton C. Blanchard
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1904
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1908
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Democrat
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| 8
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Jared Y. Sanders
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1908
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1912
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Democrat
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| 9
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Luther E. Hall
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1912
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1916
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Democrat
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| 10
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Ruffin G. Pleasant
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1916
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1920
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Democrat
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| 11
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John M. Parker
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1920
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1924
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Democrat
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| 12
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Henry L. Fuqua
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1924
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1926
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Democrat
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| 13
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Oramel H. Simpson
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1926
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1928
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Democrat
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| 14
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Huey P. Long
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1928
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1932
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Democrat
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| 15
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Alvin O. King
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1932
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1932
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Democrat
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| 16
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Oscar K. Allen
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1932
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1936
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Democrat
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| 17
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James A. Noe
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1936
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1936
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Democrat
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| 18
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Richard W. Leche
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1936
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1939
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Democrat
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| 19
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Earl K. Long
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1939
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1940
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Democrat
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| 20
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Sam H. Jones
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1940
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1944
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Democrat
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| 21
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Jimmie H. Davis
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1944
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1948
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Democrat
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| 22
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Earl K. Long
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1948
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1952
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Democrat
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| 23
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Robert F. Kennon
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1952
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1956
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Democrat
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| 24
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Earl K. Long
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1956
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1960
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Democrat
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| 25
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Jimmie H. Davis
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1960
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1964
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Democrat
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| 26
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John J. McKeithen
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1964
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1972
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Democrat
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| 27
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Edwin W. Edwards
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1972
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1980
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Democrat
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| 28
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David C. Treen
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1980
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1984
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Republican
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| 29
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Edwin W. Edwards
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1984
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1988
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Democrat
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| 30
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Charles E. "Buddy" Roemer, III
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1988
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1992
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Republican
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| 31
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Edwin W. Edwards
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1992
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1996
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Democrat
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| 32
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Murphy J. "Mike" Foster
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1996
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2004
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Republican
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| 33
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Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
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2004
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2008
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Democrat
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| 34
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Bobby Jindal
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2008
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Present
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Republican
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Contact information
PO Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Phone:225-342-7015
Toll Free:866-366-1121
Fax:225-342-7099
See also
External links
References
