Mayor Sid Edwards Taps Former Opponents, Diverse Voices for Transition Team
Edwards embraces his team-building skills. His “Win EBR” initiative enlists over 70 volunteers addressing crime, infrastructure, healthcare, and housing.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Mayor Sid Edwards is breaking political norms with his transition team, blending former rivals and voices from opposing political parties to shape the future of Baton Rouge. The team of over 70 volunteers represents a wide array of perspectives and expertise, focusing on crime reduction, housing, healthcare, and revitalizing North Baton Rouge.
Among the team members is Champagne Roundtree, a former opponent in the 2024 mayoral race who received just over 650 votes. Despite their political rivalry, Edwards invited Roundtree to contribute to housing initiatives.
“When he called, he reminded me of something I said during the campaign — that we all need to work together,” Roundtree shared. “That’s exactly what he’s doing.”
Edwards has also enlisted State Representative Denise Marcelle, a Democrat, to advise on government efficiency and higher education. Marcelle sees the collaboration as a rare opportunity to bridge divides.
“When you’re in the room with people who don’t always agree, you get to show them a different perspective,” Marcelle said. “That kind of dialogue is what Baton Rouge needs right now.”
The “Win EBR” team is meeting weekly through March, with members volunteering their time to develop concrete recommendations. Edwards, a former high school football coach known for breaking conventions, likened the effort to building a championship team.
“You can’t win if everyone isn’t working together,” Edwards said. “This is about unity and putting the city first.”
The recommendations are expected to serve as a roadmap for addressing the city's most pressing challenges, signaling a collaborative new chapter for Baton Rouge.
