Jared Young Sanders 1908-1912

Born: January 29, 1869 near Morgan City, Louisiana
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Religious Affiliation: None
Education: St. Charles Jesuit College and Tulane University Law School
Career Prior to Term: Speaker of the State House of Representatives and Lt. Governor
How He Became Governor: Elected in 1908
Career after Term: U.S. Representative
Died: March 23, 1944 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

J. Y. Sanders was the first Governor elected under the primary law passed during Governor Blanchard's administration. Under the law, Sanders had to face another Democrat in a primary election before running against nominal Republican opposition.

Sanders supported progressive legislation. During his term, the legislature passed a State Conservation Commission Act, a tax on corporations using state resources, and an amendment approving the use of property tax for a special highway fund.

Sanders' knowledge of the legislative process, garnered through his position as Speaker of the House before he was Governor, enabled him to pass the laws he needed. As a reforming governor, Sanders pushed for regulation of gambling and liquor and for the passage of child labor laws.

After leaving office, Sanders continued to contribute to the improvement of state highways. As a member of the 1921 Constitutional Convention, Sanders helped develop a master plan for a state highway system. He was the first attorney for the Louisiana Highway Department, created by that Constitution. Sanders campaigned against Huey Long in 1927. He died in 1944 in Baton Rouge.

Governor Sanders is buried in Franklin.

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