St. Landry Parish Election Results Reflect Changing Leadership and a Call for Servant-Hearted Government

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA — Voters across St. Landry Parish have made their voices heard, setting the stage for several important runoff elections and ushering in new leadership in communities throughout the parish. Tuesday’s election results reflected a mixture of political change, familiar leadership, and renewed expectations for those entrusted with public service. From Opelousas to Grand Coteau, Melville, and Port Barre, residents participated in a democratic process that will help shape the future of their communities.

Opelousas and Grand Coteau Prepare for Runoff Elections

In Opelousas, the mayoral race remains undecided, with incumbent Julius Alsandor receiving 19 percent of the vote and challenger Kenon Lamb leading with 23 percent. Neither candidate secured the majority needed to avoid a runoff. The results demonstrate that voters are considering different directions for the city’s future.

Grand Coteau also faces a runoff election. Incumbent Mayor Patrick Richard received 42 percent, while challenger Milton Arceneaux received 27 percent. Both communities now have another opportunity to carefully consider the leadership they believe will best serve their residents.

Other communities experienced different outcomes. Incumbent mayors in Eunice, Sunset, and Washington retained their positions, while voters in Melville and Port Barre elected new mayors. In Arnaudville, Todd Meche defeated incumbent Ginger LeCompte, receiving 56 percent of the vote.

Police Leadership Races Also Draw Significant Attention

Public safety remained an important issue in several communities. In Opelousas, incumbent Police Chief Graig “Twin” LeBlanc received 47 percent, narrowly ahead of Yolanda Lewis at 45 percent, setting up a runoff.

Grand Coteau will also have a police chief runoff, with incumbent Brad Randell receiving 38 percent and former chief Wilton Guidry receiving 37 percent. Meanwhile, voters in Melville elected Phillip Lucas Jr. as police chief, and Corey Fairchild secured another term in Sunset with 55 percent.

These results remind residents that public safety requires more than authority; it requires integrity, accountability, compassion, and a commitment to protecting every member of the community.

School Boards and Local Representatives Shape the Future

School board races throughout St. Landry Parish also produced important results. Joyce Haynes won District 2 with 63 percent, Angela Guillory Cassimere secured District 4 with 65 percent, and Kevin Johnwell won District 12 with 65 percent. Paul Trosclair received 79 percent in District 13.

These elected representatives will carry significant responsibilities in education, community development, and decisions affecting future generations. Families, educators, and students will look to their leadership for responsible decisions and continued progress.

A Christian Perspective: Leadership Is a Calling to Serve

As the election results unfold, CAST NEWS Christian News Network encourages residents and elected officials to remember that leadership is not simply about position, political influence, or personal achievement. It is about service.

In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus teaches that whoever desires to become great must become a servant. This biblical principle offers an important reminder to every candidate, elected official, and community leader: true greatness is measured by the willingness to serve others.

Proverbs 29:2 also reminds us that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. Our communities need leaders who value honesty, fairness, wisdom, and the well-being of all residents, regardless of political affiliation.

Moving Forward in Unity, Faith, and Prayer

Although elections can produce differing opinions and political disagreements, the people of St. Landry Parish share a common interest in safer neighborhoods, stronger families, better schools, economic opportunities, and thriving communities.

First Timothy 2:1-2 encourages believers to offer prayers and thanksgiving for those in positions of authority. Christians are called to pray for their leaders, support what is good, speak truth with love, and work toward peace.

As the parish prepares for upcoming runoffs, residents are encouraged to remain engaged, exercise their voting rights, and remember that unity is greater than political division.

A PRAYER FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up St. Landry Parish and every community impacted by these election results. Lord, we thank You for the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and for every person who stepped forward to serve.

Father, we pray for the newly elected officials, those who retained their positions, and every candidate preparing for a runoff. Grant them wisdom, humility, integrity, and compassion. May they lead with honesty and place the needs of the people above personal interests.

We pray for Opelousas, Grand Coteau, Melville, Port Barre, Eunice, Sunset, Washington, Arnaudville, and every surrounding community. Protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our schools, bless our families, and guide those responsible for public safety.

Remove bitterness, division, and hostility. Replace them with understanding, cooperation, and love. May our communities become places where justice is respected, children are protected, families prosper, and every resident is treated with dignity.

Lord, remind our leaders that their positions are opportunities to serve, not opportunities for pride. Let Your wisdom guide every decision and Your peace cover this parish.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.