Stage set for epic Shreveport Senate race with political heavyweights, House family feud
State Rep. Sam Jenkins is announcing his run for a seat in the upper chamber, setting up a potentially epic battle of political heavyweights for a Shreveport Senate seat.
Jenkins, a Democrat who's served two terms in the House representing District 2, made his campaign for the Senate District 39 seat official Thursday during an event at the Downtown Holiday Inn in Shreveport.
Current Sen. Greg Tarver, D-Shreveport, is term-limited and can't run again.
"I'm running for the Senate because it provides an even bigger platform for me to serve and expand the impact I can have to improve the lives of the people in my district and my state," Jenkins said in an interview with USA Today Network.
Jenkins' entrance into the race sets the stage for a Shreveport political family feud.
Former Democratic state Rep. Barbara Norton announced her candidacy for the Senate District 39 seat Feb. 6 with her family. Current Democratic state representative and former Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover told USA Today Network he will officially join the race soon after the Legislative Session ends June 8.
All three served the 2016 term together in the House.
"My campaign is in a three-month start and we're excited about where we are," said Norton, who was term-limited in the House four years ago. "We're all friends, but I've been fighting for my people in this district for years and will continue to fight once I'm elected to the Senate."
Norton took on Tarver in 2019, but she was disqualified on a residency challenge. Since then Norton has bought a home in the district.
"I'm a homeowner in the district; I'm here to stay and serve the people of this district," she said. "I believe we can win with he help of the Lord and the people who live in our district. I know that I can't do it by myself. I'm looking forward to working with everyone."
Senate District 39 includes parts of Caddo and Bossier parishes and the majority of Shreveport, the state's third largest city.
Its importance was elevated after Shreveport-Bossier lost a Senate seat to southern Louisiana when lawmakers redrew political boundaries in 2022.
"It's critical that the next senator has shown the ability to lead and build coalitions to make sure the commercial and population hub of northwestern Louisiana - Caddo and Bossier parishes - can secure the resources needed to advance our priorities," Jenkins said. "I've consistently demonstrated that ability throughout my career in public service."
Jenkins has also previously served on both the Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission.
"I don't think anybody can match the perspective I have about our community's needs," Jenkins said.
Jenkins is the chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
Jenkins said among bills of which he is most proud was his COVID-19 pandemic law that provided $250 stipends to front-line, essential workers.
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"We were doing so much to help businesses, which was appropriate, but I wanted to make sure we recognized those who continued to place themselves at risk, some making minimum wage, to keep the critical supply chain going for the rest of us," he said.
Jenkins said he will continue to focus on legislation that benefits those most at risk as well as securing funding for infrastructure, including broadband, and ways to connect rural parts of District 39 to the metro areas through affordable transportation.
Qualifying for the Oct. 14 primary election is Aug. 8-10.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Stage set for epic Shreveport Senate race with political heavyweights
