BATON ROUGE — Sid Edwards has officially been sworn in as the 20th mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish on Thursday, Jan. 2. Edwards, a political newcomer, defeated incumbent Sharon Weston Broome in a runoff in early December 2024.
Edwards, a former Istrouma High coach turned mayor-president, is the first Republican to hold the position since 2005.
The Istrouma High School “Tribe of Sound” marching band opened the ceremony in honor of the former football coach.
In the ceremony, Edwards was called a “man of steadfast faith” and former players and colleagues shared stories of how Edwards has exemplified this in his career and life. Sid Edwards chose his own Bible to be sworn in on.
In his campaign address, Edwards joked that he’s never had to make a real speech in the election campaign, but he was going to attempt to make one now.
“Today is a new beginning. This is the first day of a new beginning for East Baton Rouge Parish,” he said. He went on to say that he’s ready and prepared to lead the city and parish forward in “this new adventure.”
Edwards said his plan is to restore, rebuild and revive Baton Rouge.
“Let us start today. Let us start together on a journey toward restoration of East Baton Rouge Parish. We will restore Baton Rouge to its rightful place, to one of the cleanest, safest, successful, vibrant Capital City it must be once again,” said the incoming mayor-president. “Restore the spirit of pride in our city. Build pride in what our town looks like. Let’s be happy & proud to be from East Baton Rouge.”
Mayor Edwards promised to break the division in the parish.
“We must break the chains of division in our city. We can call it whatever we want. We’re divided. Almost a mirror image of our country right? I ran on the premise that I am a great unifier and turnaround specialist. I pledge to you today that I will work every day of my term as your mayor-president together with each of you to break the chains of division in our city.”
Addressing the “wave of crime” in the parish must happen now, he said, adding that the attitude of the people must change for the work to start. People should no longer just accept that crime is part of the city and accept fear.
“We must expect safety and law and order as the first responsibility of government to keep us safe. I coach football teams. That’s what I’ve done forever and getting a team to pull in the same direction is quite a challenge so now picture city government.”
Mayor Edwards said his two sons with autism have had the biggest impact on his life helping him understand you don’t try to conform people to your expectations. Instead, you have to learn their way and accept it.
“It changed my perspective on life. I spent a great deal of my life trying to fit them into my world and failed miserably and what I learned is their world is so much more beautiful. They have no angles. There’s no hate. There’s no divide. It’s everything pure and good.”
With his wife, kids and entire family at his side, Sid Edwards was sworn in officially becoming the mayor-president.
“We will show BR what it’s like to win again,” Edwards said in closing.
The Race
Coach Sid Edwards tossed his name in the hat as one of nine candidates running for the next East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President in July 2024 during qualifying.
Despite taking personal attacks during the campaign, Edwards chose to run a clean election. Long considered a political underdog, Edwards surprised many by outperforming both Broome and Democrat Ted James in the November 5 primary election, securing a leading 34% of the vote. Incumbent Sharon Weston Broome took away 31% while James came in third with 28%.
Running as a “change candidate,” Edwards focused his campaign on addressing Baton Rouge’s rising crime rates, blight, and homelessness—key issues that resonated with voters. Public safety quickly became the cornerstone of his platform, with Edwards bluntly declaring, “Baton Rouge is not safe.”
During the runoff, Edwards had a large lead with early voters but then held on to that lead as results trickled in Dec. 7, 2024. In the end, Edwards won by 8,721 votes, or with 54% of the votes.
He had a quick three weeks to transition between Broome’s administration, naming his own transition team and being sworn in.
Edwards named his transition team in December. These Win EBR Transition Team members will provide recommendations on policy and staffing changes.
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