(The Center Square) — Voters in Caddo Parish will have two distinctly different options for sheriff when they cast ballots next month for a third time in as many elections.
The second runoff between Democrat Henry Whitehorn and Republican John Nickelson set for March 23 follows an election in November that initially went to Whitehorn by one vote out of more than 43,000 cast.
A recount did not change the result, but voting irregularities raised by Nickelson in a legal challenge convinced a judge to order a new election. An appeals court panel upheld that ruling, and the state Supreme Court declined to review the case.
“What really separates me and my opponent in this race is the policies we’d implement if elected,” Nickelson told The Center Square. “We’re going to work hard every day to make sure voters understand their choice.”
The winner will take over a department currently helmed by Chief Deputy Jay Long following the retirement of Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator announced on Friday. Prator, who spent two dozen years as sheriff of Caddo Parish, was appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to serve on the state’s Board of Pardons.