Huey Long

Huey Pierce Long Jr., known as "The Kingfish," was a prominent American politician born on August 30, 1893, in the impoverished north of Louisiana. His early career included stints as a traveling salesman and a brief education at three colleges before he was admitted to the bar in Louisiana. Long's legal career was marked by his advocacy for the poor, and he gained recognition for his fierce prosecution of large corporations, notably Standard Oil. His legal prowess earned him praise from Chief Justice William Howard Taft, who called him "the most brilliant lawyer who ever practiced before the United States Supreme Court."

Long's political journey began with his election to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, where he continued to challenge corporate power. After a failed campaign in nineteen twenty-four, he capitalized on the economic and class divisions in Louisiana to secure the governorship in nineteen twenty-eight. During his tenure, he implemented expansive social programs and initiated massive public works projects, including a modern highway system and the tallest capitol building in the nation. Despite being impeached in nineteen twenty-nine for alleged abuses of power, he managed to maintain his political dominance.

In nineteen thirty, Long was elected to the U.S. Senate, although he did not take his seat until nineteen thirty-two. Initially a supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt, he soon became a vocal critic of the New Deal, which he deemed insufficiently radical. In response, he proposed the Share Our Wealth plan in nineteen thirty-four, advocating for massive federal spending and wealth redistribution. His ideas resonated with millions, leading to the formation of local Share Our Wealth clubs across the nation.

Long's political career was cut short when he was assassinated on September 10, 1935, by Carl Weiss inside the Louisiana State Capitol. Weiss was immediately killed by Long's bodyguards. Although Long's movement diminished after his death, many of his proposals were later adopted by Roosevelt in the Second New Deal. His legacy continued through his family, with his wife, Senator Rose McConnell Long; his son, Senator Russell B. Long; and his brother, Governor Earl Long, all contributing to the political landscape of Louisiana.