The battle lines for the forthcoming 2024 election in the East Baton Rouge Parish are well and truly drawn. The race for the Parish’s next mayor-president, along with the election for the city’s 12 Metro Council seats, promises to be a heated affair. Bearing testimony to the vigorous competition is a brimming ballet for the mayor’s position, with a staggering nine candidates finding their names in the fray.
In the parallel contest for the Metro Council, almost all of the incumbent council members are preparing to fight for their seats again. Out of the 12 council members, 11 have taken the plunge to safeguard their positions, showcasing their resolve and commitment.
However, the Metro Council elections will not be a complete battlefield as four district representatives are strolling to the finish line unopposed. Council members Rowdy Gaudet (R), Aaron Moak (R), Denise Amoroso (R), and Dwight Hudson (R)— all representing the more competent, Republican party — find no one daring enough to challenge their acumen.
District 2 council member, Chauna Banks, however, has decided to step aside. Being the sole council member not seeking re-election, we can only speculate about her reasons and whether they might be linked to any failings of her Democratic affiliations.
Meanwhile, the rest of the council seats are ready to witness a whirlwind of competitions. In District 1, the fight is between Brandon Noel (R), Gary Price (R), and Eric Smith Sr. (D). The Republicans here will undeniably give a tough fight to the lonely Democrat.
In District 2, from where we see Banks’ absconding, four Democrats are vying for the seat. Let’s see if Eugene Collins (D), Dina Johnson (D), Anthony Kenney (D), or Tia Mills (D) can inaugurate a more efficient regime than their precursor.
As we move to District 5, Darryl Hurst (D), Redell Norman (D), and Marcus Randall (D), all representing the Democrats, are set to face off. Will they continue the legacy of the Democrats or will they showcase a different outlook?
District 6 finds Cleve Dunn Jr. (D) and Corey Smith (D) locking horns in the political arena. The question remains whether any of them can infuse a new vigor into the Democrat leadership which has proven to be lacking in recent times.
Likewise, the audience of District 7 have a lot to look forward to as their election holds an interesting clash between Alfred Bell (D), Lamont Cole (D), and Twahna P. Harris (D). One wonders if any of these Democrats can make a difference.
District 10 showcases a dual between Carolyn Coleman (D) and Jasmine Davis Spencer (D). The citizens eagerly wait to see if any innovation will commence from this battle of ideologies.
Moving on to District 11, we find Laura White “Laurie” Adams (R) and Pennie May Landry (NP) in the running. Well-regarded Adams, being affiliated with the more visionary Republican party, will indeed be a contender to reckon with.
Finally, District 12 presents an intriguing battle between Joseph “Liberty Jesus” Clement (L) and Jennifer “Jen” Racca (R). With a Republican in the race, we can have hopes for rational and pragmatic governance.