10,000 Women Louisiana Condemns Governor Landry for Unethical Election Interference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026
Baton Rouge, La. — 10,000 Women Louisiana is calling out Governor Jeff Landry for actions that threaten to destabilize Louisiana’s election process and undermine voter confidence statewide.
The recent ruling in Callais v. Louisiana may have opened the door to congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 election but that does not make last-minute disruption appropriate, ethical, or justifiable. Voters have already begun participating in the election process, with early voting scheduled for May 2–9 and the primary set for May 16.
Intervening at this stage risks widespread confusion and jeopardizes the integrity of the entire ballot, including races for U.S. Senate, Congress, judicial seats, constitutional amendments, and local offices.
Melissa Flournoy, Board Chair of 10,000 Women Louisiana, stated: “The Governor has flipped the table on Louisiana voters. Throwing a wrench into the election process at the last minute is reckless and undermines trust in our democracy. The Secretary of State must stand up and protect the sanctity of Louisiana’s elections.”
This move comes amid heightened political tensions during the current legislative session, including controversial actions affecting local governance. Against that backdrop, 10,000 Women Louisiana views the Governor’s actions as part of a broader pattern of political maneuvering that risks eroding democratic norms.
Alfreda Tilman Bester, Vice-Chair of 10,000 Women Louisiana and former General Counsel for the NAACP, said: “Governor Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill are among the most divisive figures in our state’s modern history. Their actions contribute to a coordinated erosion of voting rights for Louisiana citizens.”
10,000 Women Louisiana continues its commitment to civic engagement through its co-sponsorship of the “To the People, For the People” Democratic Roadshow, a statewide series of events designed to inform voters and increase participation. Upcoming stops include Monroe, Houma, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Covington, and New Orleans.
Bester added: “Louisiana is not a red state or a blue state—it is a nonvoting state. Efforts to mark hundreds of thousands of voters as inactive, combined with last-minute election disruptions, make participation harder, not easier. Our leaders should be expanding access, not restricting it.”
Flournoy emphasized the broader historical context: “Louisiana has a long history of voter suppression through the Jim Crow era. In the 21st century, we should be moving forward not back. These actions disrespect voters and threaten the integrity of our election system.”
A Call to Action
10,000 Women Louisiana and its partners across the advocacy community are committed to defending fair elections and protecting the rights of all voters. “We will stand up and fight back,” Flournoy said. “We call on all people of good faith and courage to join us in protecting democracy and ensuring representative government in Louisiana.”
For more information about the Roadshow or 10,000 Women Louisiana, visit: www.10000womenla.org
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We live in dangerous times
To the editor:
We live in dangerous times, brought about by the extreme measures of ICE. The Supreme Court turned back the clock to pre-civil rights days to approve the search and arrests of people based on skin color and language.
The demonization of immigrants, the attack on working families and people seeking citizenship are making our communities unsafe. The focus on “illegal aliens” and the “worst of the worst” is just a charade for grandstanding attacks in major cities.
Citizens across Louisiana and the rest of the country are reacting to the lawless actions of ICE threatening citizens, disrupting communities and killing citizens participating in First Amendment protected legal activities.
All U.S. citizens need to be concerned about the attacks on the First Amendment’s constitutional freedoms of speech, press, religion. The rights to assemble and petition for redress are threatened. There is no regard for the sacred Second Amendment in the killing of Alex Pretti legally carrying a permitted concealed weapon. ICE agents break into houses and cars without a judge-signed warrant with no regard for the Fourth Amendment.
All freedom-loving citizens need to understand how fast our rights are being eroded. Now is the time for people of character and conscience to stand up and defend the Constitution. We are the patriots defending American values of democracy, liberty and justice.
Do not fall for the name-calling or labels of domestic terrorists or leftist radical scum. The people in the street are the patriots standing up for our values. Each generation is called to work for a more perfect Union. Now is the time for courage, so stand up, speak up and show up. Our country depends on patriotic citizen advocates. Be a patriot! Your voice matters.
Melissa S. Flournoy
Board Chair, 10,000 Women Louisiana
