St. Tammany Parish voters will return to the polls on December 12, 2026, to choose their next sheriff after Daniel Seuzeneau and Robert Hodges secured the leading positions in the November 3 election. Neither candidate received the majority needed to claim an outright victory, setting up a runoff that will determine who takes charge of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The election comes amid growing questions about jail maintenance, departmental spending, law enforcement leadership and the agency’s relationship with residents. Both candidates have introduced plans addressing these concerns, giving voters across St. Tammany Parish an opportunity to compare their experience, proposed changes and management priorities.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Election Results Confirm December Runoff
Unofficial election returns showed Daniel Seuzeneau finishing first with approximately 46% of the vote, while Robert Hodges followed with nearly 32%. Former U.S. Marshal Scott Illing and retired St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office lieutenant David Maki each received about 11%, leaving Seuzeneau and Hodges as the remaining candidates. Election-night figures reported by Unfiltered with Kiran showed Seuzeneau receiving 44,929 votes compared with 31,321 for Hodges, with 170 of 171 precincts reporting. Those figures gave Seuzeneau a considerable advantage entering the runoff, although the reported totals were not yet certified.
Seuzeneau and Hodges are both Republicans, while Illing also campaigned as a Republican and Maki entered the election without a party affiliation. Louisiana’s open primary system allows candidates from different political parties to appear on the same ballot, with the two leading candidates advancing when nobody receives more than 50% of the vote. The December runoff will give residents a choice between two law enforcement professionals with different backgrounds and approaches to departmental leadership. Supporters of Illing and Maki could also influence the outcome if they return to vote and select one of the remaining candidates.
Former Sheriff Randy Smith’s Resignation Led to Special Election
The St. Tammany Parish sheriff race follows the resignation of Randy Smith on June 24, 2026, after he pleaded guilty to felony second-degree battery and misdemeanor disturbing the peace by public intoxication. The charges stemmed from a May 29 confrontation involving a man at a restaurant near Madisonville. Smith’s departure brought an unexpected change to the leadership of an agency responsible for law enforcement services, correctional operations and other public safety duties throughout the parish. His resignation also raised questions about professional conduct, oversight and the standards expected of elected law enforcement officials.
Veteran deputy Bret Ibert assumed responsibility as interim sheriff following Smith’s departure and has continued supervising the department during the election process. Ibert chose not to seek the office and has indicated that he intends to retire when the newly elected sheriff takes over in January 2027. The incoming sheriff will inherit an agency with established personnel, equipment, contracts and operating procedures that must continue functioning throughout the leadership transition. Reviewing those responsibilities while addressing existing problems will be among the first challenges facing the next administration.
Daniel Seuzeneau Brings Local Police Leadership Experience
Daniel Seuzeneau, 43, has spent more than two decades with the Slidell Police Department, serving in law enforcement and administrative positions before becoming interim police chief in 2025. His career includes more than 10 years as the department’s public information officer, a position that involved communicating with residents, coordinating public announcements and explaining police operations. Seuzeneau has presented his knowledge of local government, public safety procedures and departmental management as qualifications for leading the parishwide Sheriff’s Office. His campaign has emphasized financial accountability, improved communication and closer relationships between deputies and the communities they serve.
Seuzeneau’s proposed management approach begins with examining how the Sheriff’s Office spends public money and handles daily operations. He has called for an independent forensic audit designed to review contracts, vendors, purchasing practices and major expenditures. The audit would seek to identify questionable spending, possible conflicts of interest and opportunities to strengthen financial controls, although an audit itself would not establish that wrongdoing occurred. Findings from such a review could help the incoming administration determine which purchasing procedures, reporting practices or departmental policies warrant changes.
Seuzeneau Proposes Public Records Portal and Stronger Financial Controls
Public access to government information is another part of Seuzeneau’s platform for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. His campaign proposes an online portal displaying public records requests, providing residents with a clearer way to monitor how the department handles requests for information. Seuzeneau has also suggested forming an advisory board of professionals to examine major contracts, vendor qualifications, project costs and purchasing decisions. These measures are intended to increase scrutiny of departmental spending while maintaining compliance with Louisiana’s public purchasing and records laws.
Seuzeneau has also proposed examining shared services among law enforcement agencies operating throughout St. Tammany Parish. His campaign identifies emergency response software, training facilities and other administrative resources as areas where greater cooperation might reduce duplicated expenses. Several municipal police departments already maintain their own systems and training procedures, meaning consolidation would require coordination among independent agencies. Any financial savings would depend on implementation costs, compatibility, agency participation and whether the proposed changes maintain reliable public safety services.
Seuzeneau Wants Deputies Assigned to Specific Communities
Community policing represents another central part of Seuzeneau’s plan for the Sheriff’s Office. He proposes assigning liaison deputies to designated areas of St. Tammany Parish, creating a regular contact for residents experiencing neighborhood problems or requesting law enforcement assistance. These deputies would help identify recurring concerns, communicate with supervisors and coordinate responses involving other government agencies when necessary. The arrangement could be particularly useful in unincorporated communities where residents rely on the Sheriff’s Office rather than a municipal police department for routine patrol services.
Seuzeneau has also discussed improving communication within the department by offering voluntary individual meetings to employees. His campaign estimates that nearly 750 employees could be given opportunities to discuss workplace concerns, leadership practices and recommendations for improving operations. Deputies, correctional officers, dispatchers and civilian personnel often encounter different challenges, making their experiences useful when reviewing staffing levels, equipment needs and supervision. The effectiveness of the proposal would ultimately depend on whether employee feedback produces measurable improvements in departmental procedures and working conditions.
Robert Hodges Brings Louisiana State Police Management Experience
Robert Hodges, 54, previously served as superintendent of the Louisiana State Police following a 31-year career involving patrol operations, investigations and senior leadership responsibilities. His experience includes supervising law enforcement personnel across multiple regions and coordinating criminal investigations involving different jurisdictions. According to his campaign, Hodges managed an organization with approximately 2,800 employees and a budget of about $650 million while serving as State Police superintendent. He has identified that management background as preparation for overseeing the finances, personnel and public safety responsibilities of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Hodges has also highlighted his involvement in establishing Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA, which expanded the agency’s law enforcement presence in the New Orleans area. His campaign has pointed to the initiative as an example of coordinating personnel and resources to address violent crime and support other law enforcement agencies. Hodges believes relationships developed through his statewide responsibilities could help strengthen cooperation between the Sheriff’s Office, municipal police departments, prosecutors and federal investigators. Such cooperation can become especially important when criminal investigations involve multiple jurisdictions or require specialized personnel and equipment.
Hodges Proposes Cybercrime Unit and Expanded Investigative Resources
Robert Hodges has identified cybercrime investigations as a priority for the next St. Tammany Parish sheriff. His campaign proposes establishing a dedicated unit to investigate online exploitation, internet-based offenses and crimes involving children. The proposal also includes additional deputy training and cooperation with parents, schools and other agencies involved in protecting vulnerable residents. Investigations involving electronic devices and online evidence can require specialized training, secure evidence handling and coordination with organizations that have jurisdiction beyond parish boundaries.
Hodges has also proposed creating a dedicated forensic examination program intended to strengthen investigations involving sexual assault. His campaign says the program would provide specially trained law enforcement personnel to improve evidence collection and investigative responses for victims. Establishing such a program would require appropriate training, evidence-preservation procedures and coordination with medical professionals when forensic medical examinations are necessary. The intended benefit would be a more consistent investigative process that supports victims while preserving evidence for potential criminal proceedings.
Hodges Calls for Online Spending Reports and Professional Accountability
Financial transparency is another feature of Hodges’ campaign platform. He proposes establishing an online financial reporting system that would allow taxpayers to examine Sheriff’s Office spending and better understand how departmental funds are allocated. Such a system could provide information about contracts, purchases and other expenditures, subject to applicable disclosure and privacy requirements. The value of the proposal would depend on how frequently records are updated, how expenses are categorized and whether residents can understand the information being presented.
Hodges has also made professional conduct and employee leadership recurring themes in his campaign. He argues that deputies deserve dependable supervision, consistent standards and an administration that addresses misconduct while supporting employees who perform their duties responsibly. His proposals emphasize leadership experience, departmental accountability and the restoration of public confidence following the previous sheriff’s resignation. Those commitments would be tested through personnel decisions, complaint procedures, disciplinary policies and the administration’s willingness to explain important decisions to the public.
St. Tammany Parish Jail Maintenance Remains a Major Concern
The St. Tammany Parish Jail presents one of the largest operational challenges awaiting the next sheriff. Reports of aging equipment, damaged plumbing, air conditioning failures, mold concerns and unusable housing areas have raised questions about the facility’s condition and maintenance requirements. These problems affect more than building appearance because reliable ventilation, sanitation, plumbing and temperature control are important to the safety of inmates and correctional personnel. Repairs can also become more expensive when smaller maintenance problems develop into failures requiring substantial equipment replacement or structural work.
Interim Sheriff Bret Ibert has warned about the financial pressures surrounding the jail and the possibility of shifting resources from other departmental operations to cover correctional needs. Parish government is responsible for funding certain jail expenses, while the Sheriff’s Office manages the facility’s operations and correctional personnel. That division of responsibilities means repairing the jail requires coordination between elected officials responsible for funding and those responsible for daily management. The incoming sheriff will need to examine maintenance records, operational expenses and existing agreements to determine which projects require immediate attention.
Seuzeneau and Hodges Present Different Jail Management Proposals
Seuzeneau has proposed an independent examination of the St. Tammany Parish Jail’s operating structure to determine whether changes could improve services and control spending. His campaign has said potential options could include public-private partnerships or private management, provided an impartial evaluation demonstrates that an alternative would benefit residents without compromising safety or accountability. The proposal does not represent a final commitment to privatizing the jail. Any change would require careful consideration of contract costs, employee responsibilities, correctional standards, liability and the quality of services provided to inmates.
Seuzeneau has also discussed establishing supervised inmate work programs for suitable maintenance projects. His proposal would allow qualified participants to apply existing trade skills while gaining experience that could support employment after release. Work assignments involving painting, building maintenance or other appropriate activities would need to comply with applicable laws, safety requirements and correctional supervision procedures. Projects requiring licensed contractors, specialized equipment or restricted access would still need qualified oversight and proper authorization.
Hodges has taken a different approach by emphasizing correctional program management and the restoration of services that previously operated at the parish jail. During a WDSU candidate discussion, he identified restarting the work-release program as one of his goals, noting that the program had not operated since 2020. Work-release arrangements can allow eligible incarcerated individuals to maintain employment under established correctional rules, although program costs, supervision and public safety requirements must be considered. Hodges has argued that experienced leadership and better management practices can address operational problems without unnecessarily eliminating existing programs.
Proposed 2027 Budget Cuts Could Affect Sheriff’s Office Operations
St. Tammany Parish’s proposed 2027 budget has added financial uncertainty to the sheriff’s election. Local reporting indicates that jail funding could decrease from slightly more than $6 million to approximately $3.5 million under the budget proposal, creating a substantial difference between previous allocations and available resources. Funding concerns also extend to the District Attorney’s Office, courts and other parts of the parish’s criminal justice system. These agencies perform separate responsibilities, but reductions affecting one department can create problems for others that depend on coordinated operations.
Jail expenses include more than building repairs because correctional facilities require ongoing staffing, food service, medical care, security equipment and utilities. Unanticipated maintenance failures or changes in inmate populations can place additional pressure on operating budgets that already have limited flexibility. The next sheriff will need to evaluate which expenses can be reduced without interfering with legal obligations, employee safety or essential public services. Decisions will also depend on the resources parish government provides and the outcome of a separate sales tax proposal scheduled for December.
December 12 Sales Tax Proposal Could Influence Jail Funding
St. Tammany Parish voters will consider a proposed quarter-cent sales tax during the same December 12 election that determines the next sheriff. The measure would establish a 0.25% sales tax for five years, beginning April 1, 2027, if approved. Revenue would support designated criminal justice services, including the 22nd Judicial District Court, District Attorney’s Office, parish correctional facility, Coroner’s Office and related operations. Parish officials have presented the proposal as a temporary funding measure intended to address shortages affecting services shared by communities throughout St. Tammany Parish.
The proposed tax would add 25 cents to every $100 in taxable purchases, meaning residents and visitors making qualifying purchases would contribute to the additional revenue. Existing combined sales tax rates differ among municipalities and unincorporated areas, so the final rate would continue to depend on where a transaction occurs. Parish estimates indicate the measure could generate approximately $17.9 million annually, based on earlier sales tax collections. Actual revenue would depend on taxable spending, economic conditions and the measure’s implementation.
The proposed increase has also generated questions about government spending, financial priorities and the long-term structure of parish funding. Supporters have emphasized the need to maintain courts, correctional operations and other required services, while critics have questioned whether spending changes should be considered before raising taxes. Parish officials have discussed reviewing existing expenditures and tax arrangements to identify possible alternatives. The election outcome could influence the financial conditions facing the next sheriff, although approval of the tax would not eliminate the need for departmental budgeting and oversight.
Community Trust and Department Leadership Remain Central Issues
Public confidence has become a defining issue in the St. Tammany Parish sheriff race following the circumstances surrounding Randy Smith’s departure. Residents expect law enforcement officials to follow the same laws they enforce, respond to complaints appropriately and explain decisions involving public money. Both Seuzeneau and Hodges have discussed restoring confidence through stronger leadership, although their proposals offer different methods for accomplishing that objective. Seuzeneau emphasizes financial reviews, departmental communication and community contacts, while Hodges focuses on management experience, investigative capabilities and professional standards.
Leadership changes can also affect employees responsible for maintaining daily operations during an administrative transition. Deputies and correctional officers must continue responding to emergencies, supervising inmates and investigating crimes regardless of election outcomes or internal policy reviews. The next sheriff will need to establish expectations for supervisors while retaining experienced personnel and identifying areas where additional training may be necessary. Clear communication about staffing decisions, workplace procedures and departmental goals can help reduce uncertainty during the transition.
St. Tammany ChamberPAC Endorsed Both Runoff Candidates
The St. Tammany ChamberPAC issued a co-endorsement of Daniel Seuzeneau and Robert Hodges during the initial sheriff campaign. The organization announced its selections in October after reviewing candidates’ qualifications, leadership experience and understanding of the office’s responsibilities. Its decision recognized both candidates rather than selecting one preferred contender for the November election. The co-endorsement also reflected the organization’s interest in maintaining effective law enforcement services and a dependable environment for residents and businesses.
The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce also hosted a sheriff candidates’ forum in Mandeville on October 7, giving the four original contenders an opportunity to discuss their experience and priorities. Candidate forums provide voters with a chance to hear how individuals approach public spending, departmental problems and law enforcement responsibilities. Seuzeneau and Hodges now have an opportunity to explain their plans in greater detail without sharing the ballot with the other two candidates. Their responses to questions about funding, management and public accountability may influence residents who supported different candidates in November.
Why the Sheriff Runoff Matters Across St. Tammany Parish
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office provides services extending well beyond the boundaries of any single municipality. Residents in unincorporated communities depend heavily on sheriff’s deputies for emergency response, neighborhood patrols, criminal investigations and other law enforcement assistance. Municipal police departments maintain their own jurisdictions, while the Sheriff’s Office also handles parishwide responsibilities involving corrections, court-related services and cooperation with other agencies. Decisions made by the next sheriff can influence staffing, response capabilities and public safety resources across western, central and eastern St. Tammany Parish.
Communities surrounding Covington, Mandeville, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Folsom, Lacombe, Pearl River, Slidell and Bush face different law enforcement considerations. More populated neighborhoods may generate frequent calls involving traffic, property crimes and neighborhood complaints, while rural areas can present challenges involving patrol coverage and travel distances. Communities near major highways also benefit from coordinated investigations involving agencies responsible for neighboring jurisdictions and transportation corridors. Managing those differences requires examining service demands, available personnel and geographic coverage rather than applying identical staffing arrangements throughout the parish.
The next sheriff will also oversee responsibilities affecting residents who live inside municipal boundaries. Jail operations, criminal investigations involving multiple jurisdictions, court-related duties and cooperation with local police departments remain important regardless of where a resident lives. Effective coordination can help prevent duplicated work, improve communication during emergencies and clarify which agency is responsible for particular services. Maintaining those relationships will be an important part of the incoming administration’s ability to address parishwide concerns.
How the Sheriff Runoff Could Affect Public Safety Spending
Financial management will remain one of the most closely watched responsibilities of the incoming sheriff. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office must balance employee compensation, equipment purchases, training expenses, correctional operations and other obligations while maintaining services residents expect. Budget decisions can influence how quickly damaged equipment is replaced, whether specialized investigators receive additional training and which maintenance projects receive funding. Those choices also determine how much flexibility the department maintains when emergencies or unexpected expenses arise.
Seuzeneau’s proposed forensic audit and purchasing oversight board would focus on reviewing existing spending practices before recommending changes. Hodges’ proposed online financial reporting system would emphasize public visibility into expenditures and departmental transactions. Both approaches could provide useful information, but their effectiveness would depend on implementation, the quality of financial records and the willingness of agency leadership to address identified problems. Residents evaluating the candidates may want to consider how each proposal would operate, what it could cost and how progress would be reported.
What Happens After the December Sheriff Election?
The winner of the December 12 runoff is expected to assume office in January 2027 and complete the remaining portion of former Sheriff Randy Smith’s term, which runs through June 2028. The sheriff’s position is also scheduled to return to voters during Louisiana’s regular 2027 election cycle. This means the successful candidate will have a relatively short period to establish an administration and begin addressing inherited challenges before another scheduled election. Financial reviews, personnel decisions and jail maintenance priorities could therefore receive attention early in the new sheriff’s tenure.
Transition planning will be necessary because the Sheriff’s Office cannot suspend essential services while leadership changes take place. Existing investigations, inmate supervision, emergency communications and court-related responsibilities must continue under the new administration. The incoming sheriff will also need to review departmental contracts, meet senior employees and establish working relationships with parish government officials. Clear priorities during the first several months could help residents understand which campaign proposals are being implemented and which require further evaluation.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Runoff Voting Dates and Information
The St. Tammany Parish sheriff runoff is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2026, with early voting available November 28 through December 5, excluding Sunday, November 29. The Louisiana Secretary of State lists early voting hours as 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the designated voting period. Registered voters can confirm their polling locations, review available election information and check registration details through the state’s GeauxVote system. Residents should verify their assigned voting location before Election Day because early voting sites and regular Election Day polling places are not necessarily the same.
Voters should also review the complete December ballot because the sheriff runoff and proposed quarter-cent sales tax represent separate decisions. The sheriff election determines who will lead the law enforcement agency, while the tax measure concerns funding for designated criminal justice services. Approval or rejection of the tax would not automatically determine the winner of the sheriff race. Each measure will be decided independently according to the votes cast.
St. Tammany Parish Voters Will Decide the Next Sheriff’s Direction
The December runoff between Daniel Seuzeneau and Robert Hodges will determine the next chapter of leadership for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Both candidates bring extensive law enforcement experience, but their proposals reflect different priorities involving financial oversight, investigations, correctional management and community relationships. Seuzeneau has concentrated on auditing departmental spending, reviewing jail operations and establishing closer contacts with residents, while Hodges has emphasized statewide management experience, specialized investigative programs and professional accountability. Voters will decide which candidate offers the approach they believe can best address the agency’s existing challenges.
The incoming sheriff will face immediate responsibilities involving jail conditions, financial planning, departmental leadership and cooperation with other public safety agencies. Those matters affect residents across St. Tammany Parish, including communities where the Sheriff’s Office serves as the primary law enforcement provider. The December 12 election will determine who manages those responsibilities during a period of continued financial uncertainty and heightened public attention. The winner’s decisions could shape the department’s operations, spending practices and relationship with the public well beyond the upcoming election.
Sources
- NOLA.com: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Race and Runoff Coverage
- WVUE FOX 8: Seuzeneau and Hodges Advance to December 12 Sheriff Runoff
- Unfiltered with Kiran: St. Tammany Sheriff Election Results and Candidate Vote Totals
- 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office: Randy Smith Guilty Plea and Criminal Charges
- Daniel Seuzeneau Campaign: Sheriff’s Office Management, Financial Oversight and Jail Proposals
- Robert Hodges Campaign: Law Enforcement Experience, Cybercrime Investigations and Financial Accountability
- WDSU: St. Tammany Sheriff Candidates Discuss Jail Funding and Leadership Plans
- WDSU: St. Tammany Parish 2027 Budget and Proposed Criminal Justice Funding Reductions
- St. Tammany Parish Government: Proposed Quarter-Cent Sales Tax and Financial Planning
- St. Tammany ChamberPAC: October 2026 Sheriff Candidate Co-Endorsement
- Louisiana Secretary of State: December 2026 Election Dates, Early Voting and Official Election Information
Angela Knight is a seasoned journalist with a deep-rooted passion for covering the vibrant local business scene in Slidell, LA. Her expertise lies in spotlighting the unique stories of local entrepreneurs and keeping her finger on the pulse of the latest business news and trends within the community. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to impactful storytelling, Angela’s articles serve as a vital resource for residents and business owners alike, offering insights, updates, and inspiration. Her work not only informs but also celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement that define Slidell’s business landscape.