Seabaugh Launches Bid for Caddo DA, Targets Plea Deals

State Senator Alan Seabaugh is running for Caddo Parish district attorney, saying repeat offenders and what he calls "overly soft plea agreements" are a big reason crime still feels personal for families across Shreveport and the parish.

“Revolving Door” and Repeat Offenders

Seabaugh told KEEL News on Wednesday that he has watched the DA’s office for roughly a decade and believes many of the most serious crimes are being committed by people with long arrest histories, sometimes with multiple prior violent arrests. He argued the public is losing confidence when offenders cycle back onto the street quickly after arrests.

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He framed the issue as less about whether pleas happen and more about what the plea is to. Seabaugh said plea bargaining is part of the system, but he believes allowing someone accused of a violent offense to plead down to a misdemeanor, then return to the community, is “rolling the dice” with public safety.

Victims and Families Want More Communication

Seabaugh says one of the biggest surprises after his announcement was hearing from current and former law enforcement, along with victims and families of victims. He claimed some families felt left out of key moments in the process, including learning about plea deals after decisions had already been made.

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If elected, he says victim communication would be a priority, with more consistent updates so families understand where a case stands and what actions prosecutors are considering in each case.

Disputing “Crime Is Down” Claims

Asked about local leaders saying crime is down, Seabaugh says he disagrees, focusing especially on violent crime. He also argues that property crime numbers can look lower when fewer incidents are formally investigated or documented, pointing to reports being taken by phone and fewer in-person responses for some calls.

DA Office Not a Stepping Stone for Him, He Says

Seabaugh pushed back on the idea that the DA race is about positioning for higher office. He said he is not running for governor and not running for Congress, and that pursuing the DA job is a direct choice, not a political audition.