Sid Edwards, a prominent high school football coach and surprise Republican mayoral candidate, has entered the race for Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish. His campaign aims to be positive and inclusive, reaching voters across party and racial lines1.
Edwards, who spent 17 seasons at Central High School, recently took over the Istrouma High School football program in north Baton Rouge. His decision to join Istrouma was driven by a sense of calling and a desire to mentor students in the 70805 ZIP code, an area that has faced neglect over the years2. If elected, Edwards plans to address disparities between north and south Baton Rouge, emphasizing issues like crime, homelessness, and litter. He also supports St. George, Louisiana’s newest city.
While he acknowledges his political novice status, Edwards intends to surround himself with an experienced, well-educated staff to effectively lead the city-parish1. His background as a coach informs his approach, emphasizing unification, teamwork, and the importance of recruiting bright minds to tackle Baton Rouge’s challenges1. The parallels between coaching and leadership are evident to Edwards, who believes that the lessons learned on the field can carry over to effective governance