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Guess who's coming to dinner with Trump from Louisiana?

Edwards will be joined by First Lady Donna Edwards among the relatively small group of about 150 invited guests.
Credit: Greg Hilburn
Last year President Trump reappointed Gov. John Bel Edwards to the Council of Governors. The president has now invited Edwards to Trump's first state dinner Tuesday.(Photo: Greg Hilburn/USA Today Network)

Louisiana will be well represented at President Donald Trump's first state dinner Tuesday, where he will play host to French President Emmanuel Macron with an exclusive guest list that includes the state's top political brass.

Gov. John Bel Edwards is one of the few Democrats invited, while Louisiana's two Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are two of only four members of Congress attending, according to media reports.

Trump, a Republican, once told Edwards the governor was his favorite Democrat, though Edwards laughed and said he's certain the president has told other Democrats the same thing.

But the guest list may confirm it.

Edwards will be joined by First Lady Donna Edwards among the relatively small group of about 150 invited guests.

The governor noted Louisiana's French heritage as a connection to Macron.

“Donna and I are honored to participate in this administration’s first state dinner, and it is fitting that it is with the French president,” Edwards said in a statement sent to USA Today Network Sunday.

"We are very proud of Louisiana’s French heritage and vibrant culture," the governor said. "We cherish it in our schools and way of life."

Trump's first state dinner will be held in the State Dining Room.

Last year Trump appointed Edwards to the Council of Governors and invited him to the White House for a round-table discussion about infrastructure.

"We appreciate the president and first lady extending this invitation and look forward to this great event," Edwards said. "While in Washington, I look forward to meeting with our delegation and other federal partners to discuss critical priorities for our state.”

Outside of Cassidy and Kennedy, House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Foreign Affairs Chair Ed Royce are the only other members of Congress attending, according to a report from Politico.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was invited, but won't be able to attend, Politico reported.

Trump’s first state dinner comes 15 months into his administration.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

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