Woody Jenkins: A Louisiana Political Chronicle
An analytical exploration of his legislative tenure, electoral campaigns, and journalistic contributions.
Career Overview ๐ Senate Campaigns ๐บ๐ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Overview
Journalist and Legislator
Louis Elwood Jenkins Jr., widely known as Woody Jenkins, is an American newspaper editor based in Baton Rouge and Central City, Louisiana. His career spans decades in public service and journalism. He served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1972 to 2000, representing constituents in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Electoral Pursuits
Beyond his legislative role, Jenkins mounted three notable, albeit unsuccessful, campaigns for the United States Senate in 1978, 1980, and 1996. These campaigns highlighted his engagement with state and national political discourse.
Constitutional Contributions
Jenkins played a significant role as a delegate to Louisiana's state constitutional convention (1972-1974). He was instrumental in drafting the new constitution's Declaration of Rights, contributing substantively to the foundational legal framework of the state.
Early Life and Education
Origins
Woody Jenkins was born Louis Elwood Jenkins Jr. on January 3, 1947, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His parents were Louis Elwood Jenkins Sr. and Doris Rowlett.
Academic Foundation
He pursued higher education at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1969. This academic background provided the foundation for his subsequent career in both media and politics.
State Constitutional Convention
Drafting a New Constitution
Jenkins was elected as a delegate to Louisiana's state constitutional convention, which convened from late 1972 through early 1974. During this period, he served on the Committee on Bill of Rights and Elections.
Key Contributions
His most significant contribution was authoring substantial portions of the new constitution's Declaration of Rights. This work formed a critical component of the revised state constitution, which was ratified by voters in April 1974 and remains in effect, albeit with subsequent amendments.
Louisiana House of Representatives
Tenure and Service
Woody Jenkins served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for an extended period, from 1972 to 2000. During his tenure, he represented districts within East Baton Rouge Parish, engaging directly with state legislative matters.
Legislative Stances
Jenkins demonstrated specific policy positions during his legislative career. Notably, he and Dan Richey were the sole House members to oppose the state appropriations bill in 1976, which passed with overwhelming support. He also voiced strong opinions on issues such as forced bussing, advocating for constitutional amendments against it.
United States Senate Campaigns
Early Senate Bids (1978 & 1980)
Jenkins challenged incumbent Democrats J. Bennett Johnston Jr. in 1978 and Russell B. Long in 1980 for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Running as a Democrat in these races, he focused on securing funding for key state facilities like the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant and Barksdale Air Force Base. He criticized Johnston's voting record, particularly concerning energy resource allocation.
1996 Senate Election Controversy
Jenkins' 1996 campaign for the U.S. Senate against Democrat Mary Landrieu was marked by significant controversy. His campaign hired a firm for automated phone calls, which had previously worked for David Duke, a white supremacist and fellow Republican primary candidate. Jenkins was fined $3,000 by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for payment irregularities related to this firm. While Jenkins maintained he was unaware of Duke's financial benefit from the transaction, his signed agreement with the FEC acknowledged knowledge of Duke's prior association with the firm.
U.S. House Special Election (2008)
Candidacy and Endorsements
Following U.S. Representative Richard Baker's resignation, Jenkins announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the special election for Louisiana's 6th congressional district in January 2008. His campaign garnered endorsements from conservative organizations like the Club for Growth Political Action Committee and figures such as Dr. James Dobson. He also received support from the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Party and the NRA Political Victory Fund.
Primary and Runoff
Jenkins led the Republican primary field but narrowly missed securing the nomination outright. He entered a runoff against Laurinda L. Calongne. Jenkins ultimately won the runoff with 61.94% of the vote.
General Election Outcome
In the general election held on May 3, 2008, Jenkins faced Democrat Don Cazayoux. Despite endorsements from prominent Republicans, including Governor Bobby Jindal and members of the state's congressional delegation, Jenkins lost the election to Cazayoux by a margin of 49.20% to 46.27%.
Later Developments
Election Denialism
In the latter part of 2020 and into early 2021, Jenkins published a series of articles expressing support for the claims of a stolen election made by former President Donald Trump and his allies. This stance marked a significant development in his public commentary during that period.
Electoral Data
Key Election Results
Detailed results from Jenkins' significant electoral campaigns provide insight into voter support and political dynamics.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Woody Jenkins" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- "Jenkins vows to back defense projects at conference in Minden", Minden Press-Herald, March 10, 1978, p. 1
- The Advocate: Washington Watch for January 21, 2008
- The Advocate: Richard Baker to resign
- Jindal Endorses Jenkins For 6th District Seat
- 2theadvocate.com | Legislature & Politics | Breaux endorses Cazayoux รขยย Baton Rouge, LA
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Woody Jenkins, and may not encompass all nuances or represent the most current information.
This is not professional advice. The information provided herein does not constitute legal, political, or journalistic counsel. It is essential to consult official sources and qualified professionals for specific analyses or advice related to political careers, legislative processes, or journalistic ethics.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.