John E. Settle, Jr.
Caddo Commissioner Jim Taliaferro announced last year that he would qualify to run for Shreveport mayor this year. He was unsuccessful in 2018, finishing third in the primary behind Adrian Perkins and Ollie Tyler.
At the April Caddo Republican luncheon, Taliaferro spoke along with Tom Arceneaux and Mario Chavez.
In his remarks Jim said that he would run a poll to determine if, in fact, he should qualify. He alluded to the challenge he encountered in his last race with two Republicans in the mix. He ran along with Lee O. Savage.
Taliaferro has the same challenge this year. After the announcement by Mario Chavez that he would not run as a Republican, the leading Republican candidate is undoubtedly Tom Arceneaux.
Arceneaux reports that he has now raised over $180,000 for his campaign. Tom is working hard on campaign solicitations and there is no doubt that he will soon have over $200,000 in his war chest.
Taliaferro's 2021 campaign finance report reflected funds on hand of $20,000. The likelihood of Jim raising another $10,000 is "slim to none," and even his staunchest supporters must recognize his chances of success have all but disappeared.
The recent announcement by John Nickelson that he will not seek a second term on the Shreveport City Council means that the District C seat will be open for newcomers. Taliaferro’s voter registration is in Broadmoor, a solid District C location.
Taliaferro’s Caddo Commission term ends next year. He is not required to resign his commission seat to seek office this year, be it mayor or council.
If Taliaferro decides to run for the city council, the funds in his mayoral account can be used to underwrite a council race. And $20,000 can underwrite a well-heeled council campaign.
Additionally, Jim has very widespread name recognition, which is also a key component in running a successful political campaign.
His service with the Shreveport Police Department, Crime Stoppers, his campaigns for both Shreveport city marshal and mayor and now his position as a Caddo commissioner will set him up as the favorite against practically any council opponent.
Taliaferro should make his political decision for this year in the very near future. A decision for a council race would certainly thin the field of possible opponents, plus allow him time to become very familiar with the council responsibilities.