Commissioner John Paul Young Is Running for Mayor of Shreveport

Quite a stunner this morning for the 2026 race for Mayor of Shreveport. Caddo Parish Commissioner John Paul Young officially entered the fray. Young made his announcement on KEEL Radio, Young’s entry adds a significant new dynamic to a contest already bustling with established political figures.

Who Is in the Race for Mayor of Shreveport

Young joins a field that features both seasoned incumbents and fresh challengers. The race currently includes:

Tom Arceneaux (Incumbent): The Republican mayor is seeking a second term, running on a platform of continued stability and infrastructure progress.

Stormy Gage-Watts: Another Caddo Parish Commissioner launched her campaign late last year with a focus on "one Shreveport" and youth engagement.

Michael Mays: A challenger who has centered his platform on community trust and public safety.

State Senator Sam Jenkins recently announced he would not be in the race. State Rep Tammy Phelps says she is "thinking about running."

Young’s Pitch to Voters

During his KEEL appearance, Young emphasized his experience on the Commission and his desire to address blight in the city. He also wants to boost the pay for police officers in the city by nearly $20,000 a year. Young also pledged that if he wins, he would only serve 1 term.

What’s at Stake in Shreveport Mayor's Race?

The 2026 election comes at a critical time for Shreveport. While Mayor Arceneaux won voter support for a massive bond package to improve infrastructure across the city. He is also pushing for a major new data center in west Shreveport. But the city is still dealing with population and job losses.