The 1985 United States House of Representatives special election in Louisiana's 8th congressional district was held on March 30, 1985, to select the successor to Congressman Gillis William Long, who died on January 20, 1985 after being re-elected in 1984. Long's widow, Cathy Long, ran to succeed him. Long won a majority of vote in the primary election, thereby eliminating the need for a runoff election.
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Candidates
edit- Cathy Long, widow of Congressman Gillis William Long (Democratic)
- John W. "Jock" Scott, State Representative (Democratic)
- Clyde C. Holloway, businessman (Republican)
- Daniel E. Becnel, Jr., attorney from LaPlace (Democratic)
- Frank J. McTopy (Democratic)
Campaign
editFollowing the Congressman's death, a crowded field of potential candidates emerged as possible successors, but few candidates ultimately proved willing to run against Cathy Long. Prior to Long's formal entry into the race, she urged "loyal" supporters of her husband to "not oppose her candidacy."[1] After she announced, she was seen as the frontrunner,[2] and most prospective candidates declined to run, with the exception of State Representative Jock Scott, who jumped into the race before Long.[3] During the campaign, Long emphasized her familiarity with the issues and operating in Washington, D.C., noting, "I don't have to start from scratch. I already know the way Congress works and I can give an immediate return on the years the 8th District has invested in Gillis Long and his efficient office."[4] She won the endorsement of the state's senior U.S. Senator, Russell B. Long,[5] as well as the support of the local Black political establishment.[2]
Scott, a conservative Democrat,[2] was Long's leading opponent in the race. He emphasized his record in the state legislature,[6] which earned him the endorsement of The Advocate, which praised him as someone who evaluates "each issue and decides it on its merits, an attitude which will serve his constituents, and Scott, well in Washington."[7] Scott attacked Long's campaign as being overly reliant on voter sympathy and affiliation with her husband, characterizing her as absent from the campaign trail. "The longest address she's made is 30 seconds, and that was just to say thank you and to start milking the sympathy issue," he argued.[8] He cast doubt on her ability to continue her husband's work. "Whoever is elected will be a rookie," he argued. "Gillis Long's seniority has been lost forever. His committee appointments have been taken and his offices have been taken."[6]
Ultimately, despite concern that Long would fail to win a majority of the vote in the first round, she handily defeated her opponents, winning 55 percent of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff election.
Results
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Cathy Long | 59,836 | 55.38% | |
| Democratic | John W. "Jock" Scott | 26,573 | 24.60% | |
| Republican | Clyde C. Holloway | 17,920 | 16.59% | |
| Democratic | Daniel E. Becnel, Jr. | 3,216 | 2.98% | |
| Democratic | Frank J. McTopy | 496 | 0.46% | |
| Total votes | 108,041 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
References
edit- ^ Leggett, Jim (January 29, 1985). "Cathy Long Is Expected To Announce This Week". Alexandria Town Talk. Alexandria, Louisiana. p. A-1. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ a b c Candace, Lee (February 10, 1985). "Long starts race holding the aces". Daily World. Opelousas, Louisiana. p. 5-A. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ Leggett, Jim (January 29, 1985). "Jock Scott In Race For Gillis' Seat". Alexandria Town Talk. Alexandria, Louisiana. p. A-1. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ "Gillis Long's widow to run for Congress". Shreveport Journal. Shreveport, Louisiana. February 4, 1985. p. 5A. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ Leggett, Jim (February 19, 1985). "Sen. Long Believes Government Should Lend Farmers a Hand". Alexandria Town Talk. Alexandria, Louisiana. p. A-1. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ a b Dixon, Mary (March 3, 1985). "Scott scoffs at seniority issue". Daily World. Opelousas, Louisiana. p. 1-A. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ "Baton Rouge Paper Endorses Jock Scott". Alexandria Town Talk. Alexandria, Louisiana. March 18, 1985. p. A-1. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ "Opponent: Mrs. Long runs non-campaign". The News-Star. Monroe, Louisiana. March 18, 1985. p. 5B. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
- ^ "Official Election Results for Election Date: 3/30/1985". Louisiana Secretary of State. Retrieved November 28, 2024.