The governor of Louisiana () is the chief executive officer of the U.S. state of Louisiana.
The governor is the head of the executive branch of Louisiana's state government and is charged with enforcing state laws.
Democrat John Bel Edwards has held the office since January 2016.
Governors
Governor of the Territory of Orleans
Louisiana was purchased by the United States from France in 1803.
On October 1, 1804, Orleans Territory was organized from the southern part of the Purchase, with the remainder being made the District of Louisiana and placed under the jurisdiction of Indiana Territory.
The District of Louisiana would later become Louisiana Territory, but after Orleans Territory became the state of Louisiana, Louisiana Territory was renamed Missouri Territory.
Governor of the Territory of Orleans
Governors of the State of Louisiana
Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812.
It seceded from the Union on January 26, 1861, and was a founding member of the Confederate States of America on February 8, 1861.Constitution for the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America , accessed July 8, 2015 However, since substantial parts of the state remained in Union hands throughout the war, there were 2 lines of governors elected.
Following the end of the American Civil War, Louisiana during Reconstruction was part of the Fifth Military District, which exerted some control over governor appointments and elections.
Louisiana was readmitted to the Union on July 9, 1868.Act authorizing readmission on ratification of 14th amendment: .
Proclamation of Louisiana's ratification: .
The 1812 constitution established the office of governor, to serve for four years1812 Const., art.
III, § 2 starting from the fourth Monday after the election.1812 Const., art.
III, § 5 In 1845, the start date was moved to the fourth Monday of the January after the election;1845 Const., art. 40 in 1864, it was moved to the second Monday of the January after the election;1864 Const., art. 45 in 1879 it was moved to the first Monday after the General Assembly announced the election result; the 1921 Constitution fixed the new inauguration date as the second Tuesday in May.1879 Const., art. 61 The 1974 Constitution changed the date, effective in 1980, to the second Monday of the March following the election; this was amended in 1987, to become effective in 1992, to the second Monday of January.LA Const., art.
IV, § 3 Governors were not allowed to succeed themselves1812 Const., art.
III, § 3 until 1864, when the constitution held no term limits.
The restriction on governors succeeding themselves was reintroduced in 1868,1868 Const., art. 50 removed again in 1879, and again added in 1898.1898 Const., art. 63 An amendment to the constitution passed in 1966 allowed governors to succeed themselves once before requiring a gap before they can be elected again.
Governors of Louisiana can only serve two consecutive terms, but can serve again after being out of office for one term;https://www.louisiana.gov/government/branches-of-government/ more than half of one full four year term is considered a term as well.
Five governors have served nonconsecutive terms.
Andre B. Roman, Francis T. Nicholls, and  Jimmie Davis each served two non-consecutive terms, while Earl Long and Edwin Edwards both served in three distinct stints.
In the event of a vacancy, the President of the Senate originally acted as governor.1812 Const., art III, § 17 The 1845 constitution created the office of lieutenant governor, to be elected at the same time and manner as the governor1845 Const., art. 38 and who would act as governor in the event of a vacancy.1845 Const., art. 43 The 1913 constitution established that the lieutenant governor would become governor in case of a vacancy.1913 Const., art. 66 The governor and lieutenant governor are not elected on a ticket.
Governors of the State of Louisiana{{efn|Data is sourced from the [[National Governors Association]], unless supplemental references are required.}}
Succession
See also
List of Louisiana state legislatures
List of colonial governors of Louisiana
Notes
References
External links
Louisiana Secretary of State website
Cemetery Memorials by La-Cemeteries
