Race for Mayor-President

After 12 years in office, Mayor-President Kip Holden is term-limited and cannot run again.

Now the Nov. 8 election to replace Holden is wide open with several prominent Democrats and Republicans seeking the post.  Under the City-Parish Plan of Government, the jobs of Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge and President of East Baton Rouge Parish are combined into one.

Among the local officials who have announced their candidacy are:

•Former Metro Councilman Smokie Bourgeois, who owns George’s restaurants

•Former Senate President Pro-Tem Sharon Broome, a former Metro Councilwoman

•Metro Councilman John Delgado, a local attorney and bar owner

•Businessman Darryl Gissel

•Rep. Denice Marcelle, a former Metro Councilwoman

•Sen. Bodi White, a realtor

Bourgeois, Delgado, and White are Republicans.  Marcelle and Broome are Democrats. Gissel is No Party.

Others are expected to join the race. Qualifying will be held  July 20-22.