FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023
Contact: Terrence Lockett
terrence@dfer.org
DFER LA Congratulates Four Endorsed Candidates on Election Day Victories
These wins follow five additional DFER-endorsed victories in October
26 total DFER-backed candidates will begin new terms in January
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Following the reported victories of four champions for seats in the Legislature, Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana’s (DFER LA) Executive Director, Terrence Lockett, released the following statement:
“We’re proud to congratulate each of these DFER candidates on their hard-fought and much-deserved victories,” said Lockett. “Tonight’s runoff results, coupled with the primary victories, show that voters demand greater investments in our teachers, our students, and our families, both inside and outside the classroom. Through innovative, progressive, and meaningful policies we can improve public education for our kids. We look forward to building strong relationships with each of the newly elected legislators as they begin their new terms.”
Based on unofficial results, four DFER-backed candidates won elections to the Louisiana House of Representatives:
- House District 4: Joy Walters was elected to the district’s open seat in Shreveport with 54% of the vote.
- House District 21: Incumbent C. Travis Johnson was re-elected with 52% of the vote.
- House District 23: First time candidate Shaun Mena was elected to this district’s open seat with 58% of the vote. District 23 was relocated to New Orleans during redistricting.
- House District 57: Sylvia Taylor bested her challenger with 65% of the vote for this River Parishes open seat.
These four wins follow five additional DFER-endorsed victories in October, including Preston Castille (BESE District 8), State Senator Ed Price (LA SD 2), State Representative Ed Larvadain III (LA HD 26), State Rep. Dustin Miller (LA HD 40), and State Rep. Kyle M. Green, Jr. (LA HD 83).
In total, of the 14 races where DFER invested, nine strong Democratic leaders will enter public office next year to join 17 DFER-backed candidates who won their races outright after drawing either no opposition or following candidate disqualifications.
DFER LA has been a major force in Louisiana politics since 2015, electing Democratic champions for education reform up and down the ballot.
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