Buddy Leach Obituary

Anthony Claude Leach Jr., known as Buddy Leach, was an American businessman and Democratic politician from Louisiana.

He served one term as a U.S. representative for Louisiana’s 4th congressional district. He also served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and as chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Buddy Leach dedicated his life to serving our great state. From the Louisiana Legislature to Congress to his many civic contributions, Buddy worked to make life better for all Louisianans

Leach died from heart failure in Baton Rouge on August 6, 2022, aged 88.

Buddy Leach Obituary

Leach died Saturday, August 6, 2022, aged 88 according to a statement by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards that did not include a cause of death.

Leach was elected to the Louisiana House three times starting in 1968 before winning a term in 1978 in the U.S. House from the state’s 4th District along the state line with Texas.

The Democrat lost his reelection bid in 1980 to Buddy Roemer, who was at the time a Democrat also.

Leach would return for one term in the Louisiana House in 1983, serving as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Leach unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2003 and state treasurer in 1987. His last public role was two years as chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party starting in 2010.

Leach was born in 1934 in Vernon Parish and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959.