Local activist Sarah Holliday-James is forming an exploratory committee and considering whether to run for the Baton Rouge mayor’s office this fall.
In a news release, Holliday-James says she has dedicated her life to public service and fighting for her community.
“I can no longer stand to see leaders continue to deliver broken promises, instead of delivering the results they were elected to do,” she says in a statement. “It is time for genuine leadership to stand up and take action.”
Holliday-James unsuccessfully ran to be East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court in the fall. She failed to unseat longtime Clerk Doug Welborn, but says she’s proud of standing up against alleged “corruption and lackluster leadership” in his office and others. In recent months, the clerk’s office has come under scrutiny for its spending habits and is reportedly under investigation by the Louisiana State Inspector General Office.
Braylon Hyde, chairman of the exploratory committee, says Holliday-James could make a final decision in the next 30 to 45 days, and is meeting with citizens to hear their concerns.
“She’s not trying to rush into anything, but she is strongly considering running,” Hyde says.
Her campaign platform would include: fixing city-parish traffic woes, cracking down on crime and making Baton Rouge the best place in the state and country to do business, Hyde says.
Besides Sharon Weston Broome, a longtime political fixture, the only other confirmed candidate for the mayor’s race is Metro Councilman John Delgado.
State Sen. Bodi White, former Baton Rouge Police Chief Jeff LeDuff and attorney Marty Maley are among several who are reportedly considering a run or have been approached about seeking the office. Current Mayor Kip Holden is term-limited and cannot run again. The primary election is set for Nov. 8, and a runoff election, if necessary, will be held Dec. 10.
—Ryan Broussard
