In a historic turn of events, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, is poised to welcome its first Black sheriff in over two decades as Henry Whitehorn secures victory after a hard-fought electoral battle.
Whitehorn’s triumph was confirmed on March 23 when his opponent, John Nickelson, conceded defeat following the tabulation of early and absentee votes. The results painted a decisive picture, with Whitehorn garnering 34,752 votes compared to Nickelson’s 487, marking a substantial lead of 13,605 votes.
The electoral landscape was marked by controversy and legal wrangling, adding layers of tension to the race. Initial results from a runoff election in November 2023 had shown Whitehorn ahead by a mere one vote, prompting Nickelson to challenge the outcome, alleging irregularities and voter fraud.
A subsequent recount, which added three votes to both candidates but left the margin unchanged, only fueled the dispute.
With the legal battle escalating, retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Joseph Bleich intervened, ordering a new runoff election to settle the matter. Whitehorn, however, contested the decision, leading to an appeal heard by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which ultimately upheld Bleich’s ruling on December 11.
Amidst the legal drama and uncertainty, the latest electoral showdown saw Whitehorn emerge victorious, signaling a new chapter in Caddo Parish’s law enforcement history.
During his acceptance speech, Whitehorn spoke out about how difficult the road to the sheriff’s office has been. “You,” know, when I think about this election, it’s been a hard road,” he said to his supporters. It’s been ten months of fighting. Three victories.”
New Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn becomes first black sheriff @KMSSTV @NBC6News pic.twitter.com/JiJSF8tcN1
— Alexandra Meachum (@AlexMeachum33) March 24, 2024
Whitehorn, a self-proclaimed stickler on crime, told supporters he will continue to be tough as crime rates grow. In 2023, the city council unanimously voted for a state of emergency after residents said they were disturbed and concerned for their safety. After a reported 190 shootings and close to 80 homicides, Council members said this would potentially provide federal dollars and resources to fight crime.
Seemingly referencing his opponent’s aim to release 500 inmates, the new sheriff said there’s a need for it. “I’ve always been tough on crime,” Whitehorn said. I “have no reason to change now.”
Whitehorn will replace interim Sheriff Jay Long starting July 1 after the previous sheriff, Steve Prator, entered early retirement.
SOURCE: blackenterprise.com