Whitehorn’s victory in the Caddo Parish sheriff’s race comes after a months-long battle that started with a disputed one-vote win in November being tossed out by the court. In the election held on Saturday, Whitehorn secured 53% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate John Nickelson by more than 4,000 votes. This victory makes Whitehorn the first Black sheriff in the history of Caddo Parish. The turnout for the second election was significantly higher, with 65,239 people casting their votes compared to 43,247 in November.
A former head of the Louisiana State Police and former Shreveport police chief, Whitehorn decided to run for sheriff after the retirement of longtime Sheriff Steve Prator. Expressing his concerns about the rising violent crime in the community, Whitehorn stated that he felt called to serve and could not sit back and watch the community suffer. Despite initially winning by a single vote in November, the results were nullified due to evidence of illegal voting practices. Whitehorn’s determination and commitment to serving his community ultimately led to a decisive victory in the second election.
Following the announcement of Whitehorn’s victory, Nickelson graciously conceded and congratulated his opponent. He expressed his wishes for the success of both Whitehorn and the sheriff’s office, emphasizing that the well-being of the community was his top priority. Nickelson’s concession demonstrated a sense of unity and support for the incoming sheriff, highlighting the importance of working together for the betterment of Caddo Parish. Whitehorn is set to be sworn in on July 1, taking over from interim Sheriff Jay Long who assumed office in March.
The outcome of the sheriff’s race in Caddo Parish represents a significant milestone as Whitehorn prepares to become the first Black sheriff in the parish’s history. His election highlights the diversity and representation within law enforcement leadership, signaling a new era for the community. With his extensive experience in law enforcement and commitment to addressing the challenges facing the community, Whitehorn’s victory is seen as a positive step towards improving public safety and building stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents.
As Whitehorn transitions into his role as sheriff, he faces the responsibility of leading the sheriff’s office and addressing the issues of violent crime that have plagued the community. With the support and well-wishes of his opponent Nickelson and the community at large, Whitehorn is poised to bring positive change and make a lasting impact as the new sheriff of Caddo Parish. His inauguration on July 1 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the parish, one that symbolizes progress, unity, and a shared commitment to creating a safer and more vibrant community for all residents.
