Weston-Broome becomes first female African American mayor of EBR Parish
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Democrat Sharon Weston-Broome has won the runoff election for Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, becoming the first female African American mayor of EBR Parish.
Broome faced off against Republican Bodi White in a runoff, after the November 8 election that saw 12 candidates hoping to replace current Mayor-President Kip Holden, who is term-limited and cannot run again after three terms as mayor.
Broome served 24 years in the state legislature and was the first female to hold Pro Tempore in the House and Senate. She was a state senator from 2005 to 2016 and before that was a state representative from 1991 to 2005.
Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement Saturday night congratulating Weston-Broome on her victory.
Donna and I congratulate Sharon Weston-Broome on her victory tonight. Baton Rouge faces serious challenges in the months ahead, but I know Sharon will be the strong leader this area needs. From our ongoing flood recovery efforts to healing our communities, I will be a partner with Sharon as she takes office. Sharon has worked with me to put Louisiana first, and I know that will continue as she take on this new role. Donna and I offer our prayers to her, her husband, Marvin, and their entire family as they begin this journey.
I would also like to thank Sen. Bodi White for offering himself up for this office. Sen. White is a dedicated public servant, and as we move past this campaign, I know there is much work for us to do together. I look forward to working with him in the legislature to tackle the significant challenges for our state's future.
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