The Charter for the City of Shreveport has only two requirements to qualify for the office of mayor.
The first is that the person must be a registered voter in Shreveport at the time of qualifying. The second is that the person is a “resident” of Shreveport at the time of qualifying.
The term “resident” is not defined by the charter. Basically, that term means where a person sleeps, even if just on occasion.
There is NO requirement of maintaining a residency for a year in Shreveport.
There is NO requirement that the location is a permanent abode.
There is NO requirement that the person must be registered to vote at that location.
There is NO requirement that the location be the home of record.
There is NO requirement that the location be the only residency of the person.
Citizens can have multiple residencies—like a lake house, deer camp, beach house and the “regular” home. Citizens can only have one domicile.
Theoretically, a candidate can claim their business location is a residency. All they would need to prove is that it contains a bathroom, a couch and that they periodically sleep at that location. Oh, and a pillow at the location would be helpful
Qualifying dates for next year’s mayoral election are July 29-July 31 of 2026.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.