Three Candidates Compete for Baton Rouge’s Open State Senate Seat
With the special election scheduled for February 15, voters will choose between three contenders: State Rep. Larry Selders, former BESE member Carolyn Hill, and community advocate Quentin Anthony Anderson.
vyingBATON ROUGE, La. — The race for Louisiana’s District 14 Senate seat is heating up as three Democratic candidates vie to fill the vacancy left by Cleo Fields, who transitioned to Congress. The district spans from north Baton Rouge to south of LSU, encompassing a diverse array of communities and challenges.
With the special election scheduled for February 15, voters will choose between three contenders: State Rep. Larry Selders, former BESE member Carolyn Hill, and community advocate Quentin Anthony Anderson. Each brings a unique perspective to the table, aiming to address the pressing needs of the district.
Larry Selders: Building on Legislative Experience
Larry Selders, currently serving in the Louisiana House of Representatives, hopes to bring his five years of legislative experience to the Senate. As a social worker, Selders focuses on mental health and advocates for early screenings to help children access care.
“If we allow parents to approve mental health screenings early on, we can identify and address problems before they escalate,” Selders said. He has previously championed mental health initiatives, including screenings for incarcerated individuals upon release.
Selders emphasizes his ability to build bipartisan relationships, which he believes will help him navigate the Republican-controlled Senate. “I’ve built friendships across the aisle, and those connections will help me advocate for my constituents,” he added.
Selders received a key endorsement from Cleo Fields, solidifying his position as a leading contender.
Carolyn Hill: Advocating for Education and Crime Reduction
Carolyn Hill, a former member of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, is running on a platform centered around education and crime prevention. Hill, who has worked as both a social worker and political consultant, aims to tackle Louisiana’s long-standing challenges with poverty and education.
“Education is the key to success,” Hill stated. “Investing in early childhood education is critical to breaking cycles of poverty in our state.”
Hill also plans to address rising juvenile crime rates, advocating for rehabilitation programs and resources to guide at-risk youth toward productive paths. “We need solutions that rehabilitate and empower young people to succeed,” she said.
Despite Fields endorsing Selders, Hill is confident in her ability to connect with voters and work collaboratively in the Senate.
Quentin Anderson: A Voice for the Underserved
Quentin Anthony Anderson, a community advocate and former congressional candidate, is leveraging his grassroots connections to campaign for the District 14 seat. Anderson’s platform prioritizes improving wages, education, and healthcare access.
“Representation is one of the most selfless jobs you can have if you’re dedicated to serving your community,” Anderson said. He emphasizes independence from major interest groups, framing himself as a candidate focused on the needs of everyday constituents.
Anderson views the Republican supermajority as a challenge but not a barrier. “Progress isn’t optional. Whether it’s an inch or a mile, we have to move forward,” he stated.
What’s Next?
The qualifying period for the special election ends January 9. With each candidate presenting a distinct vision for the district, voters will have a critical choice to make on February 15. As the campaign unfolds, the race promises to spotlight key issues affecting Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas.
