It’s official: former Shreveport council member will run for Caddo Sheriff.
Nickelson will face several challenges in this race which he did not have in his overwhelming council victory in 2018.
Here is a list in no particular order of importance and it is probably not totally inclusive:
1. Race--Nickelson is white, and Henry Whitehorn is black.
2. Party--Nickelson is a Republican. Eric Hatfield is a Republican and Whitehorn is a Democrat.
3. Name recognition--Although most likely well-known within the city of Shreveport, this may not be the case in the parish outside Shreveport city limits.
4. Late start--Whitehorn announced for sheriff on/about June 13 and Hatfield announced last week.
5. Funding--Nickelson has yet to have a fundraiser. Whitehorn has had at least two.
6. Law enforcement experience--Nickelson has none. Whitehorn is a past Shreveport Police Chief and Louisiana State Police Superintendent. Hatfield served as southeast Shreveport constable.
7. Employment--Nickelson is self-employed, and campaigning will definitely affect his ability to earn a living, especially since his associate Heidi Martin is running for Caddo Juvenile Judge.
8. City council record-- Reportedly he will not have the support of Shreveport police and fire on his votes on pay raises and the health insurance switch as primary carrier to Ochsner from WK.
A Nickelson campaign will have many positives, which will be the subject of another posting.