The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame will stage its 32nd Annual Hall of Fame Induction on April 6 at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capital Center at 201 Lafayette Street. This event will pay tribute to seven distinguished Louisiana political leaders with induction into the Political Hall of Fame in Winnfield. Also presented will be the Political Family of Officeholders Award.The celebration opens with a public reception from 6-7 p.m., followed by the banquet and induction ceremony. Tickets are $250 for open seating and can be purchased through the Louisiana Political Museum’s website at lapolmushof.com or by calling (318) 628-5928 before the March 25 deadline. Advanced reservations and payments are required for all tickets.Following is a little information on each of the inductees:
New Orleans native Edmund “Ed” Anderson is a notable figure in journalism with a career spanning decades. Anderson focused on state government, politics, and the Legislature for 24 years, navigating the administrations of six governors. His tough yet fair reporting style earned him numerous writing awards and accolades, including a role in the Pulitzer Prize-winning news team for coverage of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2006.
Deacon Dan Borné boasts a diverse career spanning over 50 years across media, government, education, industry, healthcare and more. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Borné’s commitment to community service shines through his involvement in healthcare, arts, education, and charitable organizations. Notably, he’s chaired the General Health System board and led initiatives for economic education and community welfare. His passion for LSU athletics extends to his role as the longstanding public address announcer at Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Baton Rouge native Joseph A. Delpit has made significant strides across various sectors. Notably, he represented minority business interests at the White House under President Bill Clinton. Delpit made history as the first Black councilman in Baton Rouge and served in significant capacities, including Mayor Pro Tempore. He held various political positions, serving as State Representative and achieving the title of Speaker Pro Tempore, marking a milestone in Louisiana’s political landscape.
John Bel Edwards, Louisiana’s 56th Governor, embodies a life dedicated to service. Under his leadership, Louisiana prioritized education, infrastructure, and economic diversification, culminating in record-low unemployment rates and a vision to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. After concluding his term on January 8, 2024, Edwards left a lasting impact on Louisiana politics and governance.
James R. Engster, a distinguished Louisiana journalist and radio host, is the owner and president of the Louisiana Radio Network (LRN) and renowned for his captivating show “Talk Louisiana” on WRKF, Baton Rouge’s NPR affiliate. He was honored as the 2008 Communicator of the Year by the Public Relations Association of Louisiana and in 2011, received the Racial Justice Award from the YWCA Greater Baton Rouge. Engster remains committed to media as the Media Board Chairman of the Press Club of Baton Rouge and president of the LSU Media Board.
Louis Joseph Lambert is a seasoned Louisiana politician and attorney who won a State Senate seat in the 1971-1972 election cycle and represented District 18 until 2004. He served as a Public Service Commissioner, chairing the PSC for multiple terms. Beyond politics, he significantly influenced Louisiana’s educational landscape as a member of the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors. Lambert’s enduring impact on Louisiana’s political history is marked by unwavering resilience and dedication to public service, including a closely contested gubernatorial race
Richard A. Lipsey has had a remarkable career. His diverse experiences include U.S. Army service, witnessing the autopsy of John F. Kennedy, and participating in the historic March on Washington in 1963. He has received numerous accolades, including induction into the LSU Military Hall of Honor and the National Shooting Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. Lipsey has been awarded Outstanding Citizen of the Year twice by the Boy Scouts of America and has been honored as the Baton Rouge Business Report Laureat, among other distinctions. His humanitarian efforts during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita garnered the 2006 Humanitarian Award from the Anti-Defamation League.
The Political Family of Officeholders Award recognizes the Carter family’s multi-generational commitment to public service. The late Judge Burrell Carter and his son, Robert J. Carter, are honored for their remarkable contributions. The late Judge Carter served as Mayor of Greensburg and as Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal. In retirement in 2012, he provided expertise to various courts. The Hon. Robert J. Carter served as State Representative, District 72, from 1996 to 2008, and resumed the role in 2016. He was appointed Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in 2024. His leadership, including Dean of the House of Representatives, reflects the family’s commitment to public service.
Visit lapolmushof.com to read more about this year’s honored Political Hall of Fame inductees.