During the first years of statehood the speakership and the Louisiana House of Representative was dominated by supporters of Henry Clay, after 1845 the Democratic Party came to dominate politics until the United States Civil War.

When Democrat John Bel Edwards succeeded Jindal in 2016, his choice as Speaker, Democrat Walt Leger III of New Orleans, was rejected by house's Republican majority, which instead elected fellow Republican Taylor Barras of New Iberia.

He rules on points of order during sessions, makes committee assignments, which are usually actually made by the Governor.

The speaker is usually an ally of the Governor and serves as his floor leader in the House, in this role he plays a vital part in passing legislation.

The speaker usually is a chief negotiator in getting legislation passed on behalf of the Governor.