Another Louisiana Democrat flips to GOP in blow to party

A Louisiana Democratic lawmaker has left the party and plans to register as a Republican, marking the latest in a string of defections that have handed Republicans greater power in key state legislatures.

State Rep. Jeremy LaCombe became the second Democrat in the state legislature to leave the party this year, The Advocate reported. Rep. Francis Thompson in March joined the GOP, handing the party a 70-vote supermajority. While Thompson cited his conservative voting record as motivating his switch, it remains unclear why LaCombe has opted to flip.

Democrats took the loss in stride, with Caucus Chair Sam Jenkins indicating the party would continue to work with their colleague on key issues.

"House Democrats will continue to stand up for the working people of Louisiana," he said. "We look forward to working with Rep. LaCombe during this legislative session to increase wages, lower costs, improve our schools and pass insurance reform that benefit Louisiana families and small businesses." 

His move follows a comparable defection in North Carolina last week when Rep. Tricia Cotham joined the GOP and handed the party a veto-proof majority in that state chamber.

Both Louisiana and North Carolina are traditionally more conservative states and both backed former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.