Louisiana Political History & Voting Patterns
Solid D through 1970s; rapidly R presidential; Dem gov persisted until 2019. A complete guide to how Louisiana has voted in presidential elections, which coalitions have driven results, and how the state has shifted over time.
Historical Overview
Louisiana’s political history reflects the contradictions of Deep South politics. African Americans constitute 33% of the population and vote 90%+ Democratic. Yet Louisiana’s white voters moved so far right that the combination produced a deeply Republican presidential state. John Bel Edwards served two terms as Democratic governor (2016-2024), winning through an unusual coalition of Black voters and rural white voters who split from the Republican candidate. His losses in 2023 ended Democrat statewide dominance in the South’s last holdout. New Orleans, with its unique Catholic, Creole, and African American culture, remains deeply Democratic.
Key Elections & Turning Points
| Year | Significance |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Nixon won; Carter won in 1976 — last D presidential win |
| 1996 | Dole won |
| 2015 | John Bel Edwards won governor (D — last D statewide office) |
| 2019 | Edwards re-elected narrowly |
| 2023 | Edwards lost; Jeff Landry (R) won governor |
| 2024 | Trump +20 |
Geographic Voting Patterns
Democratic Strongholds
New Orleans/Orleans Parish (D+70+), Baton Rouge urban core, Shreveport
Republican Strongholds
Caddo/Bossier (Shreveport suburbs), Lafourche/Terrebonne (Cajun country), Jefferson Parish
Realignment Driver
Primary factor: White Catholic Southern conservative shift, anti-crime politics, oil and gas industry