Five judges were elected Tuesday to serve in Baton Rouge district and family court.
For the first time in more than three decades, one judge in the 19th Judicial District Court has been elected from across East Baton Rouge Parish. Democrat Winston DeCuir, Jr. won against Republican Justin DeLaune, taking 63% of the vote.
The seat will command a civil docket at the courthouse and potentially decide the balance between Democrats and Republicans on the 15-judge panel. The Legislature created the parishwide seat in 2025 as part of a push to make the borders of the 19th Judicial Court District's subdistricts match the changing racial geography of East Baton Rouge Parish.
Additionally, Jermaine Guillory beat fellow Democrat Elzie Alford, earning 53% of the vote to serve in Division L criminal judgeship in the 19th JDC. Both ran on a platform promising reform. Read about their race here.
Guillory will replace sitting Judge Ronald Johnson, one of four current jurists aging off the bench after this election.
Three Baton Rouge attorneys were vying for a criminal judge seat that became open after former Judge Tiffany Foxworth Roberts was removed from the bench.
Vernon Thomas beat fellow Democrats ReAzalia Allen and A.J. Sabine, earning 52% of the vote. Thomas, who in his campaign highlighted his experience on the victim’s side of the court system after he was attacked, will serve on the Division M criminal docket seat, currently held by temporary Judge Bonnie Jackson.
Lawrence “L.T.” Dupre was elected with 52% of the vote. to serve as Family Court judge for Section 2, Division C, beating Wendy Edwards Morice.
Joseph Cataldie was elected with 52% of the vote to serve as Family Court judge for Section 3, Division A, beating Caulette “Twin” Jackson Guillard.