James pledged to bring fresh leadership to the community
amidst a potentially competitive election
BATON ROUGE, La. - Former State Representative Ted James has officially announced his candidacy for the position of East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President, setting the stage for a potentially competitive race in the upcoming election.
James, a native of Baton Rouge, previously served as a close ally of current Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, whom he now challenges for the seat. His formal declaration took place at his high school alma mater, McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, amidst a gathering of supporters.
"Baton Rouge, your native son, is here today, in this moment, prepared and able and I am running to be your Mayor-President," James affirmed as he launched his bid.
At this juncture, James and Broome, both Democrats, stand as the sole formally declared candidates in the race. However, anticipation looms over the potential entry of Republican David Tatman, a former EBR Parish School Board member, who has already hinted at his intention to run through the establishment of a campaign website.
James initially disclosed his plans to run during an exclusive interview, providing him with a platform to outline his vision for the future of East Baton Rouge Parish.
Earlier this month, James stepped down from his position as SBA Regional Administrator for the Biden administration. His tenure includes service in the state House of Representatives for District 101 from 2012 to 2022, during which he distinguished himself as an advocate for his constituents. A graduate of Southern Law, James also has a background in law.
In response to James' announcement, Mayor Broome, who seeks her third term in office, issued a statement emphasizing her administration's achievements and commitment to the parish's growth and prosperity. She highlighted accomplishments in various areas, including economic development, support for small and minority businesses, public safety initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
As the election approaches, the race for East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President is expected to intensify, with candidates vying to articulate their plans and garner support from the electorate.
Comments