Two Republican attorneys are facing off in the runoff election for the juvenile judge seat in the 21st Judicial District.
On the ballot in Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes are Jenny Richardson Fore or Jessica C. Ledet. Early voting runs until April 26, and election day is May 3.
In a three-way race, Fore earned 13,328 votes (42%), while Ledet collected 9,763 (31%), according to results. The third candidate in the race, Rebecca Davis-Lee, finished with 8,727 (27%). Turnout was about 21% of registered voters.
The winner of the runoff will replace Judge Blair D. Edwards who was recently elected unopposed to the state First Circuit Court of Appeal.
Jenny Richardson Fore
Fore, of Livingston Parish, is an assistant public defender in the 21st Judicial District and was once a law clerk for Edwards in the juvenile court.
Fore wants to prioritize rehabilitation and education for children in order to avoid repeat offenses, she said when she announced her candidacy.
"I will continue to lead our juvenile court with the personal care and attention our children need, and with unwavering toughness against those who would neglect and harm our most vulnerable citizens," Fore said.
Jessica C. Ledet
Ledet, of St. Helena Parish, is the Town of Independence prosecutor. She also is a parent attorney in the Juvenile Court for Child in Need of Care for the 21st Judicial District public defender's office.
Ledet wants to get the churches and the community more involved with the juvenile population for better schools and families, she said in her candidacy announcement.
"This is a calling for me and not just a job. I will have tough love for juveniles while holding parents accountable. I will work to keep our families, our schools and our community safe," Ledet said in the post.