Baton Rouge Mayoral Race Intensifies with New Candidates, Highlighting City's Dynamic Political Diversity

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Baton Rouge mayoral race has escalated into a fiercely competitive contest, presenting a diverse field of candidates that mirrors the city’s complex political and social landscape.

On Friday, the race saw the entry of four new candidates: Nathanial Hearn, an actor and administrative assistant at Lazarre Law Firm; Emile "Sid" Edwards, the respected football coach at Istrouma High School; Ryan "Bad Biddness" Carter, a professional wrestler and advocate for the homeless; and William "Champagne" Roundtree, a property management entrepreneur. Hearn and Edwards are running as Republicans, while Carter and Roundtree are campaigning as Independents. Their diverse backgrounds add fresh perspectives to the race.

They join an already strong field that includes:

• Sharon Weston Broome, the incumbent Democrat seeking a third term, is known for her focus on economic development and public safety.
• Ted James, a former state representative and Democrat, is recognized for his advocacy on criminal justice reform and education.
• Tambra "Tammy" Cook, a Republican real estate agent who emphasizes housing and urban development.
• Steve Myers, a Republican with extensive local political experience.
• Gregory Taylor, an Independent candidate bringing a new voice to the race.

Broome's tenure has concentrated on infrastructure and economic growth, but she faces strong challenges from James, who has a proven record of reform, Cook, who aims to address local housing issues, and Myers, whose political experience offers a seasoned perspective.

Bobby Ray Simpson was the last Republican to serve as mayor, from 2001 to 2005. The current field of candidates highlights a significant shift in Baton Rouge's political scene.

In Metro Council races, four Republican members were unopposed, while five seats had only Democrats qualify for the November 5 general election. Three seats remain contested, held by Republicans running for re-election.

For U.S. House races in the Baton Rouge area, the candidates are:

• 1st District: Randall Arrington (R), J. "Frankie" Heyers (NP), Mel Manuel (D), Steve Scalise (R), Ross Shales (R), Margueritte Swanson (R).
• 2nd District: Troy Carter (D), Devin Davis (D), Devin Graham (R), Christy Lynch (R), Shondrell Perrilloux (R).
• 5th District: M.V. "Vinny" Mendoza (R), Julia Letlow (R), Michael Vallien Jr. (D).
• 6th District: Quentin Anderson (D), Cleo Fields (D), Elbert Guillory (R), Wilken Jones Jr. (D), Peter Williams (D).

Other notable races include:

• Supreme Court Associate Justice, 2nd District: Leslie Chambers (D), John Michael Guidry (D), Marcus Hunter (D).
• Public Service Commission, 2nd District: Jean-Paul Coussan (R), Nick Laborde (D), Julie Quinn (R).
• Metro Council: Various candidates across different districts.
• Judicial Races: Candidates for the Court of Appeal and District Courts.

The general election is scheduled for November 5, with a runoff planned for December 7 if no candidate achieves a majority. The qualification period closed at 4:30 p.m. Friday, marking a critical point for final entries.

A comprehensive list of all candidates who have qualified is available on the Secretary of State’s website at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/candidateinquiry.

This election cycle represents a pivotal moment for Baton Rouge, offering a diverse range of candidates and reflecting the city’s evolving political landscape. As voters prepare to make their choices, the breadth of candidates highlights the dynamic and transformative nature of this year’s races.