Tom Arceneaux

The 2022 mayoral election in Shreveport took place on November 8, 2022, followed by a runoff on December 10, as no candidate secured a majority in the first round. Incumbent Democratic Mayor Adrian Perkins, who sought re-election for a second term, finished in fourth place. The runoff featured Republican Tom Arceneaux, a former city councilor, and Democratic State Senator Gregory Tarver.^[8] Notably, Perkins, along with two former Black Democratic mayors, endorsed Arceneaux, a white Republican, over Tarver, citing concerns regarding Tarver's personality and his opposition to the 2017 Justice Reinvestment Act.^[9] Conversely, Tarver received endorsements from several prominent Democrats, including Governor John Bel Edwards,^[10] as well as some Republicans.^[11] The runoff was characterized by intense competition, with both candidates facing attack advertisements related to past domestic violence allegations. Additionally, Tarver faced scrutiny for residing outside of Shreveport until 2021 and for his wife's casino contracts. Crime emerged as a significant issue in the campaign, with Tarver advocating a "tough-on-crime" approach, while Arceneaux emphasized the need to revitalize blighted neighborhoods.^[11] Ultimately, Arceneaux emerged victorious in the runoff,^[12] securing 56% of the vote, thereby achieving the first Republican victory in a Shreveport mayoral election since 1994.^[13]

Tom Arceneaux took the oath of office as the 57th Mayor of Shreveport on December 31, 2022.^[14] In June of his inaugural year in office, Shreveport encountered a significant storm and was able to recover swiftly.^[15] During Arceneaux's tenure, there has been improvement in the crime rates of Shreveport.^[16] Tom Arceneaux has additionally suggested the issuance of bonds as a means to generate capital for infrastructure investment.^[15]