By Frank Johnson
The 2026 race for mayor of Shreveport is growing, with six candidates now publicly declared ahead of the November 3 election. The field includes the incumbent mayor, two sitting Caddo Parish commissioners, a state representative, a veteran community challenger, and a former commissioner — setting up what is expected to be a competitive contest centered on public safety, water infrastructure, economic development, and blight.
The Candidates
Tom Arceneaux — The incumbent Republican mayor is seeking a second term. Arceneaux won voter approval for a major bond package to improve city infrastructure and has pushed for new data center development in west Shreveport. His administration has faced ongoing criticism over the city’s aging water system, most recently highlighted by the March 1 failure of a 42-inch transmission main that left residents without adequate water pressure for days.
Stormy Gage-Watts — The Caddo Parish Commission President entered the race late last year as the most prominent Democrat in the field. Her campaign has focused on a “one Shreveport” message emphasizing youth engagement and community unity.
Michael Mays — One of the earlier entrants in the race, Mays is 20 years old and would become the city’s youngest-ever mayor if elected. His platform centers on community trust, public safety, and neighborhood-level engagement. Mays has already called for public debates among the candidates.
State Rep. Tammy Phelps — The Louisiana state representative announced her candidacy in late February. Phelps has cited public safety, the Shreveport water crisis, and blight as her top priorities, and has noted her legislative connections as an asset for securing state capital outlay funding for the city.
Caddo Parish Commissioner John Paul Young — Young announced his candidacy in February on KEEL Radio, adding another established political figure to an already crowded field. His entry was described at the time as a significant new dynamic in the race.
Michael Williams — The most recent entry, Williams announced his candidacy March 20. A U.S. Army veteran and Booker T. Washington High School graduate, Williams spent 10 years with the Shreveport Fire Department and served as a Caddo Parish commissioner for more than 14 years. His campaign platform focuses on public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, affordable housing, and expanding opportunity. Williams addressed a past legal matter proactively in his announcement, noting a 2015 indictment related to a nonprofit he controlled is public record and encouraging voters to research the facts themselves.
How the Election Works
All six candidates will appear on the same primary ballot November 3. If no candidate receives more than 51 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election scheduled for December 12, 2026. All seats on the Shreveport City Council are also on the ballot this cycle, with two incumbents term-limited and unable to seek re-election.