Huey, Earl, Russell, more: Louisiana’s long political dynasty comes to an end | Legislature

Louisiana’s most famous political family dynasty comes to an end in January after 72 years.

A member of the Long family has served in the State Capitol or the Nationwide Capitol since 1948, according to research by Mitch Rabalais of LaPolitics.com.

The Long era will end with the retirement of State Senator Gerald Long, R-Winnfield, who cannot run for office this fall due to term limits.

The family’s 72-year term began with the election of Earl K. Long as governor in 1948. By the time Earl stepped down four years later, an older brother, George, was a member of Congress. . Earl was re-elected governor in 1956.

Beginning in 1963, two cousins, Gillis and Speedy Long, alternated in a seat of Congress for 22 years.

And from 1948 to 1986, Russell Long, Huey’s son, served in the Senate.

Gerald’s older brother, Jimmy, was a Winnfield State Representative from 1968 to 2000.

The 72-year-old era has an asterisk: Mike Smith, a first cousin of Jimmy and Gerald Long, filled the void from 1996 to 2008 when he served in the State Senate.

The long political dynasty actually began in 1918 when Huey was elected to the Civil Service Commission, a position he held until he became governor in 1928.

In 1931 he moved to the US Senate, only to be assassinated on the State Capitol in 1935. His widow, Rose, held his final year in office. In 1937 Earl began his political career when he became lieutenant governor, followed by a year as governor.

From 1940 to 1948, no Long held office in Baton Rouge or Washington – until Earl revived the dynasty with his election in 1948 as governor.

Follow Tyler Bridges on Twitter, @tegbridges.