Our Look at the District C & D Runoff Races

Well, the votes are in. The mayor’s race is settled as expected, but the City Council still has 4 seats up for grabs. Today we’ll look at 2 of them, Districts D and C.

In District D, also known as the last district to get the lights turned on after Ida, 14 candidates put their names on the ballot for the $93,000 a year prize.  The field is now down to 2. On December 11th, Eugene Green and Troy Glover will go head-to-head in a run-off.  This is Glover’s 1st run for public office, while this is Green’s 4th. This difference in experience is reflected in the candidates’ campaign contributions. Green raised 4 times as much as Glover, and ended up with a 35% to 12% lead heading into the run-off.

Money Matters

Of the money raised, Glover pretty much went all in with his $20,000, spending all but $2,500. His 12% showing doesn’t bode well for raising a competitive amount of money in time for next month’s run-off. To win the seat, he’ll most likely have to rely on a strong ground game to show that there’s more to politics than just money.

Green, on the other hand, raised almost $80,000 and spent $45,000. Presumably, most of that went on signs. Because they are everywhere in the district. You can’t go for a walk without seeing his face plastered on neutral grounds and front lawns. He should have no problem raising even more money for the run-off. In the past, he’s been able to tap into contributions from the likes of Mary Landrieu, Cedric Richmond, and Richard’s Disposal.  

Policy-wise the 2 candidates pretty much mirror each other. Both advocate for safer neighborhoods, reforming criminal justice especially for juveniles, and reducing blight. Green also focuses on expanding DBE programs and increasing regulations on Entergy and the S&WB. Glover advocates for a livable wage, greater access to early childhood education, and fair housing. 

District D covers Lakeview, Gentilly, and parts of the 8th and 9th wards. This is most likely Green’s race to win, with Glover ultimately settling for his run-off appearance being used as a spring board to get his name out there for future races.

A similar scenario played out in District C (Bywater, French Quarter, Algiers). 7 candidates put their names on the ballot. The run-off is now down to Freddie King and Stephanie Bridges. As with District D, money appeared to talk in this race, too. King massively out-raised Bridges $220,000 to $7,800. And he ended up with a 44% to 15.7% lead. His list of endorsements reflects that margin. A who’s-who of Louisiana politicians from U.S. Rep Troy Carter to Governor John Bel Edwards have endorsed him, along with publications from the Tribune to NOLA.com and The Gambit. 

More Money More Money

Of his $222,000, King has about $69,000 left. Given his endorsement list, he should have no problem raising more money if needed. Bridges, on the other hand, only has about $3,900 on tap. Like Glover, Bridges, who is President of The New Orleans Council for Community and Justice, will have to rely on a strong ground game to win the seat. Policy-wise, as Democrats, there isn’t a glaring difference in their overall positions. Most likely, it’ll be a race based on who voters are more familiar with. If you live in District C, that’ll probably translate into more fliers and yard signs. Advantage to King.

Without the mayor’s race on the ballot, expect both of these races to be low-turnout events. Sometimes this can benefit the lesser-known candidates, especially if they’re good at getting their core voters out. Overcoming the type of double-digit deficits Glover and Bridges face, though, would require unprecedented upsets. But hey, it’s New Orleans. Stranger things have happened. With $93,000 a year on the line and the chance to make a difference in the community, it should make an interesting 4 weeks.