Tammy Phelps Enters the Shreveport Mayoral Race

Things are heating up in the Shreveport Mayor's race. State Representative Tammy Phelps (D-Shreveport) has launched her campaign for Mayor. She will hold an official announcement Thursday, February 26 at the Robinson Film Center.

What Is the Phelps Platform?

Phelps emphasized a message of unity and "real vision," positioning herself as a leader capable of steering the city toward its "best days." She cites her work in the legislature as her stepping stone to the Mayor's seat.

Mayor's Race Will Have a Competitive Field

Phelps enters a race against several established local figures. The incumbent, Mayor Tom Arceneaux, is seeking a second term, running on a platform of continued fiscal stability and infrastructure progress.

Other prominent challengers include Stormy Gage-Watts, who currently serves on the Caddo Parish Commission. She has centered her campaign on public safety and community investment. John Paul Young, announced his candidacy during a live interview on KEEL Radio on February 18. He is also a Caddo Parish Commissioner. He highlights the need for modernized city services. Rounding out the declared candidates is Michael Mays, who is running on a platform of transparency and restoring public trust.

READ MORE: See How the Mayor's Race Changes with John Paul Young in it.

Key Election Dates

While the campaign season is already in high gear, official paperwork must be filed in mid-summer. According to the Louisiana Secretary of State, the qualifying period for this municipal election will run from July 29 through July 31, 2026.

Voters will head to the polls for the primary election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, coinciding with the federal midterm elections. If no candidate secures a majority of the vote (50% plus one), a runoff between the top two finishers will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

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Phelps’ Path Forward

Rep. Phelps, who has represented District 3 in the State House since 2020, plans to leverage her legislative experience and deep roots in education administration. Her entry is expected to shift the dynamics of the race. Experts believe she has the best chance among the democrats to make the runoff against the incumbent Mayor.