In a surprising upset, Republican Sid Edwards defeated the two-term Democratic incumbent Sharon Weston Broome to become the mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish, winning 54% of the vote. Edwards, a high school football coach, is the first Republican to be elected to the position since 2000. Despite facing financial challenges, Edwards’ grassroots efforts, including knocking on over 25,000 doors, helped secure the victory.
The campaign focused on public safety, with Edwards pledging to address the police officer shortage and add 100 officers to the force. Broome, who had never lost an election in her 32-year career, acknowledged the defeat and urged Edwards to lead with wisdom and humility. This election saw fewer voters than the previous runoff that elected Broome to her second term in 2020, highlighting the importance of educating the public on the electoral process.
As Edwards celebrated his victory, the mood at White Oak Plantation was in stark contrast to Broome’s election night party. Edwards’ supporters chanted his name as he promised to bring positive change to Baton Rouge. Broome, in her concession speech, expressed her commitment to continue serving the community despite no longer holding the mayor’s office.
Going forward, the focus will be on improving public safety and addressing the challenges facing Baton Rouge under Edwards’ leadership. The upset victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the parish, with Edwards becoming a game-changer in local politics.
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