Louisiana State Rep. Mike Bayham Dies at 52 From Liver Failure

Louisiana state Rep. Mike Bayham Jr. of St. Bernard Parish died on Thursday, Nov. 12, at a hospital in Metairie. He was 52. Bayham had suffered for months with liver failure, and he had recently told the USA Today Network Louisiana that he needed a liver transplant to survive.

Gov. Jeff Landry gave a statement to the network early on Thursday morning mourning Bayham's passing. "He was one of the hardest-working people I knew. He love his state, St. Bernard Parish and the people. He will be sorely missed," Landry said, in the wording printed by the network.

A final week of requests for prayers

Bayham's office sent out a press release on Nov. 11 saying he was gravely ill and urgently needed prayers. Louisiana First News reported that day that his office said he was facing a serious health challenge, and it published the office statement requesting privacy for the family.

In recent days, Landry, First Lady Sharon Landry, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier and Senate President Cameron Henry had all requested prayers for Bayham.

Elected on his third try

Bayham was a first-term representative for District 103, which covers St. Bernard Parish. He took office on Jan. 8, 2024, after he was elected in 2023 on his third try. He was also an elected member of the Louisiana Republican Party State Central Committee, the body that governs party policy.

After his election, he told the USA Today Network: "It was always my dream to serve the people of Louisiana; the third time was the charm."

Bayham was an amateur Louisiana historian. His interest in politics traced back to serving as a page at the Legislature.

He kept working through the illness

The network reported that Bayham continued to work up until his death, despite serious pain, side effects and hospital stays in recent months.

His last legislative session produced a lasting result. An amendment he worked on was passed by voters last week to enact term limits for Louisiana governors.

A license plate for Dolly Parton

On Sept. 25, Bayham announced plans to introduce legislation next year to honor Dolly Parton with a license plate. The plate would help fund her Imagination Library literacy program in Louisiana.

"Dolly was probably the best among us," he told the USA Today Network in a Sept. 25 interview.

Bayham represented Chalmette and the rest of St. Bernard Parish in the state House. He was 52.