Christopher Paul Will Run Unopposed for Elizabeth Police
Elizabeth residents will vote on November 3 in a police chief election featuring only one candidate.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Elections
Christopher Paul, who faces rape allegations, will run unopposed for police chief of Elizabeth, Louisiana, on November 3. His sole challenger, Zachary LaCaze, withdrew from the race on September 23 due to his federal employment status.
Why it matters
The election occurs while Paul remains out on $60,000 bail following a September 8 arrest for alleged rapes that occurred in 2005 and 2006. Under current regulations, he remains eligible to take office unless he receives a felony conviction.
Christopher Paul posted $60,000 bail following his arrest, and a recall petition would require signatures from 40% of qualified voters to succeed. Only a felony conviction would render the candidate ineligible to take the office on January 1.
The players
Christopher Paul
He is a candidate for the police chief position in the village of Elizabeth, Louisiana.
Zachary LaCaze
He is a former candidate who withdrew from the Elizabeth police chief race due to his federal employment status.
Elizabeth Village Council
This local governing body is responsible for scheduling municipal special elections and managing local policy.
The details
Christopher Paul signed up for the race on August 6, shortly before his arrest. The Elizabeth village council has also scheduled a special election for December 12 to determine if the police chief position should become an appointed role.
Timeline
The alleged offenses took place between 2005 and 2006.
Christopher Paul registered for the race on August 6, 2026.
The candidate was arrested on September 8, 2026.
Zachary LaCaze withdrew his candidacy on September 23, 2026.
The police chief election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current electoral process argue that candidates facing serious criminal indictments should be subject to stricter eligibility standards before reaching the ballot. Supporters of the status quo emphasize that the legal principle of being innocent until proven guilty must be strictly upheld for all residents.
The upcoming election dictates whether a candidate currently under indictment will lead the local police department starting January 1. Voters will also decide in December if they wish to alter the fundamental structure of the police chief position moving forward.
The takeaway
Voters in Elizabeth must navigate a complex intersection of local governance and ongoing criminal proceedings as the November election nears. Residents seeking to change the structure of the office may focus their efforts on the December 12 special election.
What happens next
A special election is scheduled for December 12 where voters will decide whether the police chief position should transition from an elected role to an appointed one.
Further reading
For more information on local races, visit the Elections section.
