Caddo DA James E. Stewart Sr. announces re-election bid

Fighting For Justice Every Day!

Shreveport, LA – Caddo District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. today announced he will seek re-election to continue serving as Caddo Parish District Attorney. DA Stewart will announce his candidacy on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Norma Blake Community Center, 1666 Alston Street.

A lifelong public servant and seasoned legal professional, Stewart’s career includes distinguished service as a prosecutor, district judge, state appellate court judge and currently as the sitting District Attorney for Caddo Parish. First elected in 2015 following the passing of former DA Charles Scott, Stewart has since led the office with integrity, innovation and a steadfast commitment to justice.

Under his leadership, the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office has achieved several key milestones:

• Creation of the Special Victims Unit to provide specialized attention to sensitive cases.

• Expansion of the Victim’s Assistance Program, ensuring every division — including juvenile court — has dedicated support staff.

• Launch of The Harbor in March 2023, a unique initiative with Volunteers for Youth Justice, bringing resources for parents and students together under one roof.

• Collaboration with law enforcement and education leaders, including Caddo Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, Caddo Parish School Superintendent Keith Burton and City Marshal James Jefferson, to reduce crime and combat truancy.

• Established the Caddo Parish DA office’s first formal pre-trial diversion department for qualifying defendants, requiring counseling, community service and restitution to victims.

  
  

DA Stewart’s passion for youth is evident in his programs, including the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth and partnerships with the Caddo Sheriff’s Office for a Youth Camp. When legislation threatened to eliminate juvenile courts, DA Stewart was the only District Attorney in Louisiana to publicly oppose the move — standing up for the rights and rehabilitation of young people.

The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s office is recognized as one of the most active and effective in the state, handling more prosecutions than any other parish. Stewart’s leadership has earned statewide recognition, including praise from Governor Jeff Landry in 2025 for exemplary service to the citizens of Caddo Parish. In 2017 he was the recipient of the Freedom Fighter Award from the FREE Coalition for his dedication and outstanding work as District Attorney in combating human trafficking. In 2020, he was the recipient of the Liberty Bell Award presented by the Shreveport Bar Association for his significant contributions to the community. And in 2022 he was presented the Leaders in Law Enforcement Award by the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Stewart said. “But there is still more work to be done. I’m committed to continuing the progress we’ve made — protecting our community, supporting victims and building a safer future for our children. We are truly fighting for justice every day!”