Political Outsider Sid Edwards Prevails in Runoff for Mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Edwards defeated the two-term Democratic incumbent to become the first Republican elected as Mayor in 20 years.

The runoff occurred today to finish electing the Mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The runoff was ordered after no candidate achieved a 50%+1 majority during the November general election. Instead, the top two finishers advanced to today’s contest.

Republican Sid Edwards has been declared the winner in the mayoral runoff. The race was called in his favor as he’s currently leading with 54.1% (57,308) against two-term Democratic incumbent Sharon Weston Broome with 45.9% (48,587). 105,895 votes have been counted.

Edwards is the head football coach at Istrouma High School. Despite never holding elected office, Edwards led the November general election ballot 34.4-31.2 against Broome, with Democrat Ted James taking another 28.4% of the vote. The remainder of the ballot went to five additional challengers.

Broome has served as the Mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana since January 2017. She previously held District 29 in the Louisiana House of Representatives from January 1992 to January 2005 and District 15 in the Louisiana State Senate from January 2005 to January 2016.

The Mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana serves for a four-year term with a limit of three consecutive terms they may serve. The Mayor also presides over the 12-person East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council. A Republican hasn’t served as Mayor since Bobby Ray Simpson left office in 2005.

According to 2023 estimates, Baton Rouge is the 107th most populous city in the United States and the second most populous city in Louisiana - after New Orleans. Baton Rouge also serves as the state capital.