Louisiana politics has always been a contact sport, and few names evoke more intrigue than the Long dynasty. On Thursday, July 9th at 5:30 PM, former Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne will host a riveting look into this legacy with his presentation, “After Huey: The Elusive Road to Reform,” at the Old Governor’s Mansion.
The free event marks the third installment of Dardenne’s popular four-part culture and history series. This week, Dardenne shifts the spotlight to the turbulent decades following Huey Long’s assassination, exploring how his brother, Earl Long, dominated the state’s political landscape.
“Louisiana has a deep fascination with power,” Dardenne noted during a recent radio interview. He pointed out a staggering historical fact: beginning in 1948, an immediate member of the Long family served in either state or federal office for 72 consecutive years, a streak that only ended in 2020.
The presentation details the cyclical battle between the powerful Long faction and the “reform” governors, like Sam Jones and Bob Kennon, who fought to step out from the dynasty’s shadow. Dardenne will also trace the massive shift in Louisiana’s modern political landscape, including the historic milestone where registered Republicans finally outnumbered Democrats.
Beyond the backroom deals and political maneuvers, Dardenne’s upcoming presentation captures the true spirit of Louisiana’s unique history. Attendees can look forward to a lively storytelling session, followed by a light reception.
Seating for this exclusive event is entirely free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open before the 5:30 PM start time at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Do not miss this chance to hear the Pelican State’s premier stories from one of its most dedicated public servants.