NEW ORLEANS– Sen. Mary Landrieu delivered the first concession speech of her Senate career Saturday night, ending an 18-year tenure as a national Democratic lawmaker.
Landrieu, first elected to public office at 23, said she called her successor, Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, before taking the stage at The Roosevelt New Orleans hotel, where statues lining the ballroom were adorned with Mardi Gras beads.
“I told him that representing the people of this state is the greatest honor anyone could ever have,” Landrieu said.
Surrounded by her brother, New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu, and father, former Congressman Moon Landrieu, the Senator mentioned the political impact her family had on the state.
She called her parents “two of the most extraordinary leaders this country has ever known,” and said her family was out on the streets of New Orleans campaigning until the polls closed at 8 p.m.
Landrieu thanked voters, the campaign staff and her eight siblings for their support.
“Thank you all for being at my side with our family fighting for the right things for Louisiana,” Landrieu said. “It has been nothing but a joy to serve this state for over 34 years.”
Landrieu only mentioned Cassidy by name once.
“The people have spoken,” Landrieu said. “I’m so proud that our campaign was open and accessible to the voters.”
Landrieu corralled Democrats in the state, pointing to state party leaders sharing the stage, and thanked the Louisiana Democratic Party, saying it “never left our side.”
The national Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee pulled its planned media buys for Landrieu following her performance in the Nov. 4 midterm elections.
“I can promise you there is a deep and extraordinary batch of young Democratic leaders in this state,” Landrieu said.
Though she did not announce any future career plans, Landrieu said her family would continue to serve Louisiana.
“Tonight honestly I can tell you all, the joy has been in the journey, and the satisfaction has been in the fight,” Landrieu said. “Louisiana will always be worth fighting for.”