NEXT SHREVEPORT CITY COUNCIL WILL HAVE TWO MAYBE FOUR NEW FACES

It’s not the norm to be talking about municipal elections for next year before Thanksgiving. Usually, the political candidate pot starts a slow boil in January of an election year with a graduate increase in the following months until about May. However, the announcement by two mayoral candidates this week moved the needle slightly and now political observers are contemplating the fall council races.
 
Incumbents Tabatha Taylor (District A), Ursula Bowman (District G), and Jim Taliaferro (District C) are not expected to be opposed by a candidate(s) of substance.  It’s quite difficult to unseat an incumbent and each of these council members can serve one more term. 
 
Councilman Gary Brooks, a registered Democrat, represents a majority black district (District B). For this reason alone, he will undoubtedly be opposed, the only question being how politically strong an opponent may be. Brooks has built strong ties with the black community, and he will be well-funded. He is expected to win re-election.
 
The big question mark is whether Alan Jackson (District E) will seek reelection. It’s no secret that Jackson works full-time in Austin and is a weekend visitor to Shreveport. NAACP president Alvin Oliver has stated he will oppose Jackson, although he has not made a formal announcement. Oliver was unsuccessful in the 2022 race for this council seat. and he can be expected to be a formidable candidate in 2026.
 
Councilman Grayson Boucher is termed out of his District D seat that represents southeast Shreveport. Scott Ward’s name has been mentioned by many. Ward was very active on the committee that crafted the recent successful bond package, and he has strong business ties in the community. If he runs, he will garner many endorsements and he will have a well-funded campaign account. An endorsement by Boucher will have substantial influence in this election.
 
James Green, councilman from District F, is also termed out. This is an inner-city district that includes Mooretown. No names have surfaced in this race. It is not known if Green will endorse a candidate, and if he does, how much weight his endorsement will have. In the past this district has not fielded strong candidates.
 
Currently the Council has five Democrats and two Republicans. This party composition is likely for the new council, the only question being the names on the council seats. The absence of Boucher and Green will be a major change in personalities, temperaments and work ethics on the horseshoe, which can be good or bad.