Hello there, friends! It's Thursday.

Today's weather: Sunny with a high of 79.

🎧 Sounds like: "Watch You Dance" by Leon Bridges, who shot the new music video for his song in New Orleans.

Today’s newsletter is 985 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Though the blue wave that flipped seats like a tsunami elsewhere only lapped at Louisiana's midterm shores, it was still enough to make Democrats confident that change could come here, too.

Why it matters: Gov. Jeff Landry is up for reelection next year, and Democrat Jamie Davis' performance illustrates that the gubernatorial "race is in play," says former New Orleans Mayor and Democratic adviser Mitch Landrieu.

Zoom in: Republican Rep. Julia Letlow won the Senate seat, but the race was surprisingly narrow.

• Davis, a virtually unknown Black farmer from Tensas Parish, secured 49.1% of the vote without any serious backing from the national party.

Stunning stat: An NBC analysis shows every single parish swung left by at least 10 points.

What they're saying: "You always think 'woulda coulda shoulda,' but I don't want anyone to coat last night as anything other than a massive victory" for Democrats, Landrieu tells us.

• "Democrats can win in Louisiana if they put the right coalition together and have the right candidate, and Jamie is as close to the right candidate as we've had in a long time."

Between the lines: "The South had something to say, and they said it pretty loudly," says Power Coalition CEO Ashley Shelton. "Even though Louisiana didn't say it as loud, it's loud enough for people in this state to start paying attention."

The bottom line: In the campaign's final days, longtime Democratic strategist James Carville told the Louisiana Illuminator that, if Davis "loses by two points ... we are going to wonder where the hell" were national Democrats?

• Democrats "have underinvested — as many of us have complained for years — in the South," Landrieu says. "Last night was just the beginning."

Full story

Republicans' election-night bloodbath has touched off a bitter leadership battle, with both Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan vying to replace Mike Johnson as leader of the House GOP.

Why it matters: Regardless of who wins, it's a massive change to how Louisiana shows up in the nation's most powerful rooms.

Context: Johnson, a Republican from Shreveport, won't run for minority leader. Read his letter to colleagues.

• This is also the second attempt at the top House Republican job for Scalise, who's from Metairie and pitched himself as a leader positioned to bring Republicans back into the majority.

The other side: Tuesday's blue wave also reshapes influence for newly reelected Rep. Troy Carter, who's running unopposed to lead the Congressional Black Caucus.

• Carter could be Louisiana's only Democratic representative, though two House races are still in play with December runoffs.
• "As I enter my fourth term in Congress, I do so with new responsibilities and challenges," said Carter in a statement. "Now, it's time to get to work. We have a duty to defend the right to vote and hold this administration accountable."

Go deeper

🚔 Louisiana State Police could double its patrols next year in the French Quarter via Troop NOLA. The plan costs $600,000 and requires final approval from City Council to use $150,000 in local taxes. (The Times-Picayune 🔒

• NOPD is also launching a drone program in the neighborhood soon, we're told.
• The Louisiana National Guard was in the Quarter for most of the year but left in late August, when its deployment ended. (Axios)

🤩 Jennifer Coolidge, a part-time New Orleanian, has one of the hottest Halloween parties in town. This year's looked epic. (Video)

• Another celebrity resident: musician Ani DiFranco, who's lived in the Bywater for years, flew home to vote this week.

🫖 A sober speakeasy opens today inside the André Cailloux Center. (Instagram)

Still feeling civically motivated? Swing by the New Orleans City Council chamber this morning as members vote on whether to increase property taxes to generate money to save some essential services.

• What the vote could mean.

Why it matters: A popular way to give your two cents to members is to make a public comment during a council meeting.

• The process can be intimidating, so we're laying it out for you.

The big picture: You can talk for a maximum of two minutes, and your thoughts have to be about the specific topic.

• "Don't be nervous," says Councilmember Lesli Harris. "We're just people. … You hear us all fumble and stumble and stutter."
• The most effective speakers at council meetings have an outline of their talking points, usually on their phone, she says.
• "You also have to listen to what other people are saying, so you're not repeating the same points," she adds.

How it works: Go through security at City Hall. Turn left and go to the end of the hall, where you'll see the council chambers on the left.

• Once in chambers, go to the far wall and fill out a yellow comment card.
• A staffer collects the cards there and puts you in the queue to talk.
• Sit in the audience while you wait. Council members discuss each item before calling people up.

At the podium, state your name and address.

• Think of it like a monologue. Generally, they won't interrupt you or answer questions you ask.
• Your microphone will cut off after two minutes, and they'll move to the next person.

And that's it! You just spoke truth to power. Congrats!

Detailed process

🎃 Chelsea's invite to Jennifer Coolidge's party must have gotten lost in the mail (again).

👀 Carlie is watching Mississippi's Senate race between Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Scott Colom, which is still too close to call. Latest results via Mississippi Today.

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Thanks to our editor Jen Burkett.