Stormy Gage-Watts Declared Shreveport Mayoral Candidacy
The third-term Caddo Parish Commissioner entered the crowded race for mayor in January 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in City Hall
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Caddo Parish Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts formally declared her candidacy for the Shreveport mayoral election in January 2026. She is one of seven individuals seeking the city's top office in the contest scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
Gage-Watts is campaigning on a platform of relationship-building and leadership experience to address what she views as 15 years of municipal stagnation. Her platform prioritizes equitable city services and renewed focus on riverfront redevelopment for all local neighborhoods.
There are currently seven candidates confirmed to be running for the mayor of Shreveport. The upcoming election is set for November 3, 2026.
The players
Stormy Gage-Watts
A third-term Caddo Parish Commissioner who previously served as the commission's president.
Henry Whitehorn Jr.
The current Sheriff of Caddo Parish who has officially endorsed Gage-Watts for mayor.
Adrian Perkins
The former Mayor of Shreveport who has provided his endorsement to Gage-Watts.
Liz Murrill
The Attorney General of Louisiana who initiated a lawsuit against Caddo Parish officials.
The details
Gage-Watts, who opened her business Stormy's Car Care in 2005, previously served as president of the Caddo Parish Commission in 2019 and 2025. She has secured endorsements from the Caddo Parish Democratic Party, Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Jr., and former Mayor Adrian Perkins.
Timeline
Stormy Gage-Watts opened Stormy's Car Care in 2005.
Gage-Watts began her public service career with a commission appointment in 2015.
Gage-Watts formally declared her mayoral candidacy in January 2026.
The Shreveport mayoral election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the candidate have historically scrutinized her adherence to the Louisiana open meeting law regarding commission activities. This scrutiny serves as a primary counter-argument used by political rivals to challenge her administrative record and leadership style.
Residents should monitor how the platforms of all seven candidates address the city's equitable service distribution and development projects. These policy positions will directly influence future municipal tax allocations and the quality of city-provided services.
The takeaway
The race highlights a desire for leadership change following over a decade of perceived stagnation in the city. Voters should evaluate how each candidate's experience in parish or city governance prepares them to manage municipal growth and neighborhood-level resource allocation.
Further reading
Find more updates on local governance at City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate.
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