Delhi Rep Francis Thompson - R
The newest member of the state Republican Party is the longest-serving member of the Louisiana legislature. Delhi Representative Francis Thompson was a lifelong Democrat and by joining the GOP both chambers are a Republican super majority. The 81-year-old said he’d been contemplating switching parties for years.
“My choice to move to the Republican Party is one that best represents my views and those of the constituents that elected me,” said Thompson.
The redistricting session last year played a role in the decision because District 19 is majority red. Thompson voted then with Republicans to overturn Governor Edwards’ veto of a congressional map. He said his values are more aligned with the GOP nationally and on the state level and the switch comes after almost 50 years in the legislature.
“My family and I prayed about it and came to the decision that we can best serve the people of our area with the Republican Party,” said Thompson.
When the regular session begins next month Thompson said how he votes will not change but for the first time, Thompson will have an “R” beside his name instead of a “D” on the October ballot.
“I’m still voting my conservative values, I’ve done that my whole career in the legislature, and I plan to continue that,” said Thompson.
Thompson was the lone Democrat to join Republicans to vote for the state’s first veto override session to reverse Edwards’s veto of legislation to ban transgender girls from female sports and to remove restrictions on conceal carry.
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