Istrouma High School football coach Sid Edwards defeated incumbent Sharon Weston Broome on Saturday to become East Baton Rouge’s first Republican mayor-president in two decades.
Edwards not only was a political neophyte, but he eschewed politics in general. Voting records showed he hadn’t voted in 25 elections — over a period of more than eight years — until he took part in the Nov. 5 primary.
“I know a lot of people are in disbelief — none more than me,” Edwards said at his victory party.
Edwards benefited from a heavy turnout in Central while strong turnout in St. George helped harm Broome. Edwards had formerly coached the Central Wildcats football team and Broome had actively worked to disrupt the incorporation of East Baton Rouge Parish’s newest city.
Complete but unofficial returns saw Edwards winning 57,308-48,587, a margin of 54-46. Edwards and Broome had emerged from an eight-person primary Nov. 5. Former state lawmaker and Biden administration official Ted James had finished third and endorsed Broome.
East Baton Rouge’s last Republican mayor was Bobby Simpson, who was elected 24 years ago and served until January 2005. He was replaced by Kip Holden, who served three terms. Broome was seeking