Henry Whitehorn has been elected as the first Black sheriff of Caddo Parish in northwest Louisiana after winning 53% of the vote in a runoff election against Republican John Nickelson. This victory comes after Whitehorn’s disputed one-vote win in November was overturned by the court due to illegal voting activities. The turnout for the second election was significantly higher, with 65,239 people voting compared to 43,247 in the first round. Whitehorn, a former head of the Louisiana State Police and former Shreveport police chief, decided to run for sheriff after witnessing the violent crime plaguing the community.
Nickelson conceded defeat on Saturday night and congratulated Whitehorn on his victory, expressing his desire for the community’s success. Whitehorn, who had retired before re-entering law enforcement to run for sheriff, will be sworn in on July 1, replacing interim Sheriff Jay Long. The election campaign between Whitehorn and Nickelson was closely watched, as they had also faced off against each other, along with several other candidates, in October. The runoff between the two candidates in November ultimately led to Whitehorn’s initial one-vote win that was later deemed invalid.
Throughout the campaign, Whitehorn emphasized his commitment to fighting violent crime and serving the community, stating that he could not sit back and watch the community suffer. His decisive victory in the second election highlights the support he garnered from the residents of Caddo Parish, who are looking for a leader to address the rising crime rates in the area. Nickelson, recognizing the significance of Whitehorn’s win, extended his best wishes to the new sheriff and the sheriff’s office, emphasizing the importance of their success for the entire parish.
Whitehorn’s background in law enforcement, including his tenure as head of the Louisiana State Police, has prepared him to take on the role of sheriff and implement changes to combat crime in Caddo Parish. With his experience and dedication to public service, Whitehorn is poised to make a positive impact as the first Black sheriff of the parish. His victory represents a new chapter in the law enforcement leadership of Caddo Parish, promising a focus on community safety and well-being under his leadership. The community’s response to his election victory reflects a collective desire for change and progress in addressing the challenges faced by the parish.
