A Republican political newcomer just defeated a Democratic incumbent mayor in one of Louisiana's bluest parishes.
Last month, eight candidates threw their hats into the ring in the East Baton Rouge Parish mayoral race. open primary. Among them were two-term incumbent mayor and president, Democrat Sharon Weston Bloom, and Republican Emile “Sid” Edwards, a political novice.
The election was controversial. In the weeks leading up to the primary, Weston Bloom even released an ad that appeared to accuse one of his fellow Democrats of secretly hiding something. racist and sexist ideas. Ted James, the subject of the ad, ultimately endorsed her, as did former Democratic governor John Bel Edwards. BR proud Reported.
Despite the party rallying behind Weston Bloom, Edwards easily won the Dec. 7 runoff, 54% to 46%.
“I'm not saying everything was bad in Baton Rouge. …But there are some things that have to change.
“This is a movie. It means you can't make it up,” the 61-year-old mayor and president-elect said at a victory celebration Saturday night, according to reports. WWNO. “This is anointed by God. This is a God-led campaign and will continue to be a God-led administration.”
Like other urban areas, Baton Rouge has seen a spike in crime and homelessness in recent years. WWNO reported that the number of murders in the city could reach a new record this year. Mr. Edwards promised to hire 100 new police officers to keep streets safe and to use local high schools to sell food to address food access issues.
“We are change agents,” Edwards continued. “I’m not saying everything is bad in Baton Rouge. I never have said that. It happens.”
Weston Bloom is a 68-year-old veteran politician from Louisiana. former television reporteradmitted defeat and thanked supporters Saturday night.
“While I may no longer lead from the mayor's office, I promise you this: I will continue to lead from wherever I am called,” she said. “You know, I started this journey many years ago and I have no regrets at all.”
East Baton Rouge is one of the few blue parishes in the state where President-elect Donald Trump caused a landslide. 60%～38%. Failed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris won East Baton Rouge by a double-digit margin, 54.5% to Trump's 43.4%.
H/T: red eagle politics
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