Baton Rouge and Lafayette Elect New Senators in Special Election

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Residents participate in the special election in Baton Rouge, showcasing civic engagement.

News Summary

Baton Rouge and Lafayette held a special election to fill vacancies in the Louisiana State Senate. Larry Selders won in Baton Rouge with 62% of the vote, while Brach Myers emerged victorious in Lafayette with 55%. The low voter turnout of 9.5% highlights the need for increased civic engagement. The final declaration of winners is set for February 17, 2025, as both districts prepare for new representation that could shape Louisiana’s future.

Baton Rouge and Lafayette Elect New Senators in Special Election

This past Saturday, a special election took place in the lively cities of Baton Rouge and Lafayette, where voters came out to fill important vacancies in the Louisiana State Senate. Excitement buzzed in the air as residents made their voices heard and cast their votes for local representation.

Victory in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, State Rep. Larry Selders emerged as the clear victor, triumphing in the Senate District 14 race with a resounding 62% of the vote. Selders, a first-term state lawmaker and former member of the Recreation and Park Commission for East Baton Rouge Parish (BREC), faced competition from fellow Democrats Carolyn Hill and Quentin Anthony Anderson. The vacancy in this district was sparked by the election of former Senator Cleo Fields to Congress, paving the way for Selders’s ascent.

A Family Connection in Lafayette

Meanwhile, in Lafayette, State Rep. Brach Myers claimed victory in a closely contested race for Senate District 23. Myers faced off against Republican challenger Jesse Regan and secured 55% of the total votes, which amounted to a solid 6,769 votes. Regan received approximately 45% of the votes, totaling 5,591. The vacancy in District 23 came after former Senator Jean-Paul Coussan was elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Myers took over his House seat earlier in January 2024 and comes from a notable family that founded LHC Group, a company that fetched a staggering $5.4 billion in a sale earlier this year.

Voter Turnout and Election Details

The special election saw a voter turnout of just 9.5%, indicating a need for more civic engagement as residents exercised their right to vote. Polling hours were conveniently set from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., encouraging local residents to participate in shaping their government.

What’s Next?

As we look forward, the Louisiana Secretary of State is set to officially declare the winners on Monday, February 17, 2025, sealing the fate of the newly elected senators and their upcoming roles in the state government. With a fresh mix of experienced politicians and newcomers stepping in, it will be intriguing to see how both Senate District 14 and Senate District 23 will be represented in the weeks and months to come.

Wrap-Up

A special election may only happen for a limited time, but its impact can resonate deeply within a community and set the stage for new policies and initiatives. As Baton Rouge and Lafayette welcome their new senators, residents can look forward to fresh perspectives and enthusiastic leadership that may help shape the future of Louisiana.

With the election now behind them, both districts have a chance to reflect on this electoral journey and, hopefully, inspire more voters to become actively involved in their democracy.