News Summary

Baton Rouge experienced a shift in its political landscape with the results of the special elections in Senate Districts 14 and 23. Democrat Larry Selders won Senate District 14 with 62% of the votes, while Republican Brach Myers secured Senate District 23 with 55%. Voter turnout was reported at 9.5% for the elections, and no runoff was needed for either seat. These elections mark a significant change in representation for the areas as new lawmakers prepare to take on the challenges ahead in Louisiana.

Baton Rouge Takes a New Turn in Politics with Special Election Results

It was an exciting Saturday in Baton Rouge and Lafayette as voters made some big decisions in Louisiana’s Senate Districts 14 and 23. The special elections drew attention as constituents filled the vacancies left by two high-profile lawmakers.

A New Face in Senate District 14

In Baton Rouge, the big news came from Senate District 14, where Democrat Larry Selders emerged victorious with a whopping 62% of the votes. This seat was previously held by Cleo Fields, who stepped down after winning a spot in the 6th Congressional District. Selders, a first-term state lawmaker and a dedicated social worker, has made headlines before, serving as a member of the Recreation and Park Commission (BREC). His journey in the Louisiana Legislature began in 2021, and now he’s ready to take on more significant challenges in the Senate.

In this contest, Selders faced competition from fellow Democrats Carolyn Hill and Quentin Anthony Anderson, but clearly, he resonated more with the voters. One interesting detail is that the voter turnout for this special election was reported to be 9.5%. While not the highest, it shows that residents made their voices heard.

Republican Win in Senate District 23

Over in Lafayette, the scene was equally thrilling as Republican Brach Myers secured the Senate District 23 seat, winning with 55% of the total votes. Myers, who had been serving in the House, received a total of 6,769 votes out of the 12,360 cast. His opponent, Jesse Regan, came in with a strong showing as well, capturing approximately 45% of the vote with 5,591 votes.

The vacancy in Senate District 23 opened up when Jean-Paul Coussan left to take a position at the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Myers isn’t a stranger to success; he comes from a family that founded LHC Group, a home health company that made waves by selling for a stunning $5.4 billion to UnitedHealth in February 2024.

No Runoff Required

Both candidates celebrated victories without needing to go through a runoff, which is a sign that voters were comfortable with their choices. Selders dominated his primary competition among Democrats, while Myers triumphed in a head-to-head battle against Regan.

The Louisiana Secretary of State is gearing up to officially declare these results on Monday, marking a new chapter for these districts and the state. With fresh faces stepping into the Senate, it will be interesting to see how these new lawmakers impact the local and state landscape moving forward.

Looking Ahead

As Baton Rouge and Lafayette embrace their newly elected senators, residents are sure to be curious about their plans and how they intend to tackle the pressing issues facing Louisiana. The political scene has shifted, and with the addition of Larry Selders and Brach Myers, the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable.

For now, constituents can keep an eye on these two promising politicians as they dive into their new roles and strive to represent their districts with vigor and dedication. It’s a good time for Louisiana politics as the community looks forward to fresh ideas and strong leadership from their new senators.

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Author: HERE New Orleans

Tagged louisiana local news, louisiana news, louisiana politics

Baton Rouge Sees New Political Leaders Elected