Former state Rep. Ted James announces run for Baton Rouge mayor, talks about crime

Michael Scheidt
·2 min read
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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Former state Rep. Ted James is running for the office of East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President.

James announced it at McKinley High School Alumni Center on Thursday, Feb. 29. He highlighted the McKinley community and the part it has played in his life.

“Baton Rouge, I don’t just live here, this place lives right here. It lives inside of me, it guides me, it pushes me, it nurtures me,” he said.

“I worry because there are too many young people that are leaving Baton Rouge because they are forced to make a decision between home and opportunity,” said James.

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He spoke about recent shootings in Baton Rouge.

“Too many people in our community don’t feel safe. It is not an easy fix. It’s not. My administration, we are going to take a holistic approach, a whole of government approach to solving crime and keeping us safe,” said James.

Earlier this year, James stepped down from his job at the U.S. Small Business Administration. As the SBA South Central Region Administrator, he oversaw operations in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Before that, James served as a Louisiana State Representative for Louisiana’s 101st House District for more than 10 years.

He elaborated on his justice reform work and 17-year-olds being charged as adults.

James also talked about police reform in the community.

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome’s Campaign team released a statement on Ted James’ announcement.

“Our re-election campaign is eager to discuss with voters the progress Mayor Broome has achieved over the past seven years. That includes helping to build the strongest local economy in Louisiana, providing millions of dollars of investment into small and minority businesses, successful efforts to make Baton Rouge safer by continuing to support law enforcement and embracing community-based public safety and leading infrastructure projects like MOVEBR, the Stormwater Masterplan and targeted efforts to reduce flooding and improve quality of life for everyone in the parish. Mayor Broome has helped build a solid foundation for future growth in our parish and looks forward to highlighting her record while she continues to work every day to make the parish safer and prosperous.”

Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome’s Campaign Team

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