Jean Lafitte Mayor Advances to Runoff Election

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Community members enjoying a park in Jefferson Parish

News Summary

Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. of Jean Lafitte is moving forward to a runoff for the Jefferson Parish Council District 1 seat against Democrat Andrea Manuel, following a competitive primary. The runoff is scheduled for May 3, 2025, and will determine representation for a district that includes diverse communities. With varying voter support, both candidates are focusing on local issues as they gear up for the election.

Jean Lafitte – Mayor Tim Kerner Jr. of Jean Lafitte is set to advance to a runoff election for the Jefferson Parish Council District 1 seat, where he will compete against Democrat Andrea Manuel. The runoff will take place on May 3, 2025, following a closely contested primary election held on March 29.

In the primary, Manuel emerged as the front-runner, capturing 36% of the votes. Kerner followed closely behind, receiving a total of 5,648 votes, just 74 votes short of Manuel’s tally. The winner of this runoff will represent a diverse district that encompasses notable areas such as Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, and Grand Isle.

Tim Kerner, at 34 years old, hails from a prominent political family within Jefferson Parish. He is stepping into this election after the seat became vacant due to Marion Edwards stepping down from the council. Kerner’s campaign has focused on family-oriented initiatives, emphasizing plans to enhance local parks and establish a children’s museum in the community.

Kerner has garnered significant support from various political figures, including Jefferson Parish Council member Jennifer Van Vrancken and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. Despite the enthusiasm around his campaign, it faced criticism from certain leaders in Gretna who disagreed with his stance and alliances throughout the electoral process. The campaign also highlighted a dispute regarding discretionary funding, with Kerner accusing previous leaders of neglecting lesser-incorporated areas in favor of Gretna.

The recent election saw a voter turnout of approximately 28%, indicating a moderate level of engagement from the electorate. Kerner’s candidacy has notably shifted the political landscape within the district, particularly affecting other contenders such as Ricky Templet, who finished third in the primary.

Opposing Kerner in the runoff, Andrea Manuel has positioned herself as a voice for a diversifying district, which includes a significant percentage of Black and Hispanic residents. Her campaign has focused on addressing pressing local issues such as coastal erosion and enhancing law enforcement efforts. Manuel aims to appeal to various community concerns, hoping to secure the votes necessary for a successful campaign in the runoff.

Transitioning from the role of mayor to a council member, Kerner will bring his political experience to the position. He previously ran for a state Senate seat in 2023, although he did not succeed in that bid. The council seat carries an annual salary of approximately $87,000 and offers significant control over discretionary funds that can be allocated for various community projects.

Following Kerner’s potential victory in the upcoming runoff, the mayoral position in Jean Lafitte will need to be temporarily filled through an interim appointment until a special election can be organized to elect a new mayor.

As both candidates gear up for the runoff, the stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly impact the future of Jefferson Parish District 1 and its communities.