Republican Sid Edwards and Democrat and Incumbent Sharon Weston Broome will face each other next month in a runoff for East Baton Rouge mayor-president.
Almost 190,000 Baton Rouge residents cast their vote for mayor-president, resulting in Edwards, who was projected third in most recent polls, taking the majority of votes with 34% cast his way. Broome, who was projected second, received 31% of votes.
Because neither candidate won over 50% of the vote, Louisiana’s majority vote system requires a runoff election to decide a winner.
Ted James, the projected winner according to the most recent polling, did not earn enough votes to compete in the runoff, garnering 3% less of the parish’s vote than Broome.
Edwards spoke to a group of supporters following the announcements of the results, emphasizing how positive his campaign has been and promising it will remain that way through the next month.
“I am looking forward, I am your candidate, I am the man of the people …” Edwards said. “And I promise you, come December 7, if I get that opportunity just hold on. It’s going to be beautiful.”
Broome also spoke to a group of supporters after the results were announced.
“Now in the coming days you will see the vast differences between the East Baton Rouge Parish I envision and have built the foundations for, and the vision of my opponent Sid Edwards,” Broome said. “My vision is working together to build a city we can all be proud of.”
In her speech, Broome addressed her opponent and former political ally James, calling for the two Democrats to unite again after a contentious election of political jabs at forums and a controversial ad.
“Ted, you have been a formidable opponent and a notable public servant,” Broome said. “Now it’s time for our family to heal and come together. Baton Rouge cannot afford to be divided; we are stronger together.”
Both of Broome’s previous victories required runoffs. In 2016 she beat Republican Bodie White by 4% in the runoff, and defeated former State Rep. Steve Carter with 57% of the votes in the 2020 runoff.
If elected, this will be Broome’s third and final term.
East Baton Rouge residents can register to vote in the Dec. 7 election online via the GeauxVote Online Registration System, in person or by mail. The deadline to register for the December election is Nov. 16.
