In an incredibly close race for Caddo Parish Sheriff, Democrat Henry Whitehorn has emerged victorious, edging out Republican John Nickelson by a single vote. The final count stood at 21,621 votes for Whitehorn to Nickelson’s 21,620, with all precincts reporting.
This narrow victory marks a significant change in leadership for the Parish. Whitehorn will be succeeding Sheriff Steve Prator, who has held the position for 24 years but announced his withdrawal from the race earlier this year, citing health concerns. This decision came after Prator’s impactful tenure, having announced on June 30 that he would not seek reelection.
Henry Whitehorn Sr. brings a wealth of experience to the Sheriff’s office. He retired as the United States Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana in January 2020, after nearly a decade of service, a position for which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Additionally, Whitehorn has a distinguished background in local law enforcement, having served as both Police Chief and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Shreveport.
While Whitehorn prepares to step into his new role, his opponent, John Nickelson, is expected to request a recount, according to campaign insiders. Given the exceptionally close result, this move is anticipated, highlighting the importance of thorough vote verification in such tight electoral contests.
This election outcome underscores the significant role each vote plays in democratic processes, particularly in local elections where the results can directly impact community governance and policies.
As the Caddo Parish community looks forward to Whitehorn’s tenure as Sheriff, the anticipated recount process will be closely monitored, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral system.
