The Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee (JPDEC) met Tuesday, Sept. 20, to make endorsements of Democrats in local elections and recommendations in statewide or federal races for the Nov. 8 primary:
++ For U.S. Senate
JPDEC recommends three leading Democratic candidates -- Gary Chambers of Baton Rouge, Luke Mixon of Bunkie and Syrita Steib of Metairie. Each found support among JPDEC members: Chambers for his passionate equal-rights activism, Mixon for his Democratic ideals and service to country as a Navy fighter pilot, Steib for her non-profit efforts on behalf of families, racial justice and women’s rights.
++ For U.S. Congress, Louisiana District 1
JPDEC recommends Katie Darling of Covington. She’s a businesswoman and mother who was motivated to run for Congress – at seven months’ pregnant – when Roe v. Wade was overturned. She’s a fierce supporter of women’s reproductive rights, health care access for all, expanded and improved public education, and storm-mitigation efforts.
++ For U.S. Congress, Louisiana District 2
JPDEC recommends incumbent Rep. Troy Carter. He has served Louisiana well, voting to improve lives here and across the country through his support of the American Rescue Plan, the Chips Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and more. He’s a strong advocate for equality in criminal justice.
++ For Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 3
JPDEC recommends Davante Lewis of Baton Rouge. He will fight for fair rates and better service for Louisianans, and brings a solid background as director of public affairs and outreach for the highly respected Louisiana Budget Project. He argues passionately – along with fellow candidate Rev. Gregory Manning -- that Public Service Commission members should not, as a matter of ethics, take donations from utilities that the PSC regulates.
++ For State Senate, District 5
JPDEC endorses State Rep. Royce Duplessis (D, Dist. 93). Duplessis, running against another strong candidate in State Rep. Mandie Landry (D., Dist. 91), has shown an impressive ability to work strategically with other legislators even as he’s aggressively pursued criminal justice reform and other social justice issues.
++ For Jefferson Parish School Board
JPDEC endorses these Democrats as advocates for teachers and public education: District 1 – Miguel Romar of Gretna. District 2 – Rev. Ricky Johnson of Harvey. District 5 – Derrick Shepherd of Marrero. District 6 – Lauren Jewett of Metairie.