Mitch Landrieu, the former Mayor of New Orleans, has been a prominent figure in Louisiana politics for over two decades. Born on August 16, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Landrieu comes from a long line of politicians, including his father, Moon Landrieu, who served as the Mayor of New Orleans from 1970 to 1978. Mitch Landrieu's career in politics began in 1987 when he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, where he served for 16 years.
Early Life and Career
Landrieu grew up in the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans and graduated from Jesuit High School in 1978. He then attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science and later attended Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1985. After completing law school, Landrieu worked as a lawyer and eventually entered politics, following in his family’s footsteps.
Rise to Prominence
Landrieu’s rise to prominence in Louisiana politics began in 1987 when he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. During his time in the House, he served on several committees, including the Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works, and the Committee on Ways and Means. In 2004, Landrieu was elected to the Louisiana State Senate, where he served for two years before being elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana in 2006. As Lieutenant Governor, Landrieu played a key role in promoting tourism and economic development in the state.
In 2010, Landrieu was elected as the Mayor of New Orleans, a position he held until 2018. During his tenure as Mayor, Landrieu focused on rebuilding the city after Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city in 2005. He implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the city's infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. One of his notable achievements was the removal of Confederate monuments from the city, a decision that sparked both praise and controversy.
| Year | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-2004 | Louisiana House of Representatives | Served on several committees, including Transportation and Ways and Means |
| 2004-2006 | Louisiana State Senate | Played a key role in promoting tourism and economic development |
| 2006-2010 | Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana | Promoted tourism and economic development in the state |
| 2010-2018 | Mayor of New Orleans | Rebuilt the city after Hurricane Katrina, removed Confederate monuments |
Post-Mayoral Career
After completing his term as Mayor, Landrieu has remained active in politics and public service. In 2018, he launched the E Pluribus Unum Fund, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting civic engagement and racial reconciliation in the South. Landrieu has also written a book, In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History, which explores his experiences with racism and his decision to remove Confederate monuments from New Orleans.
Legacy and Impact
Landrieu’s legacy as a politician and public servant is complex and multifaceted. While he has been praised for his leadership and vision, he has also faced criticism for his handling of certain issues, such as police reform and affordable housing. Nevertheless, his commitment to social justice and community development has made a lasting impact on the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.
In 2020, Landrieu was appointed as the Co-Chair of the Presidential Committee on Climate Change by President Joe Biden. In this role, he has worked to promote sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience initiatives across the United States. Landrieu's expertise and experience have made him a valuable asset in the fight against climate change and in promoting equitable development in urban areas.
What were some of Mitch Landrieu’s notable achievements as Mayor of New Orleans?
+Some of Landrieu’s notable achievements as Mayor include rebuilding the city after Hurricane Katrina, removing Confederate monuments, and promoting sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience initiatives.
What is the E Pluribus Unum Fund, and what is its mission?
+The E Pluribus Unum Fund is a nonprofit organization founded by Mitch Landrieu in 2018. Its mission is to promote civic engagement and racial reconciliation in the South, and to support initiatives that address social justice and community development issues.
