Henry Whitehorn elected first black sheriff of a Louisiana parish

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) – Months after his disputed one-vote victory in a Louisiana sheriff’s race was thrown out in court, a profession law enforcement officer was elected Saturday on a second try.

Democratic candidate Henry Whitehorn won 53% of the vote in Saturday’s election in Caddo Parish in northwest Louisiana. He shall be the first black sheriff within the parish.

According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, Whitehorn defeated Republican John Nickelson – this time by greater than 4,000 votes.

In the second race, the turnout was much higher. State data shows 65,239 people voted for sheriff in Saturday’s election – up from 43,247 in November.

Whitehorn is a former chief of the Louisiana State Police and former chief of police in Shreveport. He won in November by one vote, but courts ordered recent elections after finding evidence that two people had voted illegally twice and 4 others had voted despite ineligibility.

Whitehorn got here out of retirement to run for sheriff after longtime Sheriff Steve Prator announced his retirement.

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“I am concerned about the violent crime that plagues our community. I retired and could just sit on the sidelines, if I so chose, and watch. But I was called to serve. I couldn’t just sit by and watch this community suffer,” Whitehorn told The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate.

Nickelson conceded Saturday night as Whitehorn’s victory became obvious. “I called Mr. Whitehorn, congratulated him and wished him and the sheriff’s office all the best,” Nickelson said. “I want the best for this community that has been a good home for me and my family for generations. I wish him every success because his success will be the success of Caddo Parish.”

Whitehorn shall be sworn in July 1, replacing interim Sheriff Jay Long, who took over from Prator on March 1.