Harris Wins DeRidder Mayoral Election in Tight Contest

DeRidder, LA – In a closely contested election, Michael D. Harris has been declared the winner of the DeRidder mayoral race, defeating city councilman Danny Reynolds. The election was held to fill the seat vacated by Misty Roberts Clanton.

According to official results, Harris, an Independent candidate and pastor, secured 1,041 votes (50%) while Reynolds, a Republican city councilman, garnered 1,031 votes (50%). The razor-thin margin of just 10 votes underscores the competitiveness of the election.

The contest went to a runoff after neither Harris nor Reynolds secured a decisive victory in the March 29 primary, where both candidates received 37% of the vote. Harris edged out Reynolds by a single vote in the initial round. Acting Mayor Randy Larken and Beauregard Parish Police Jury President Mike Harper failed to advance to the runoff.

In a separate development, voters in Beauregard Parish approved a bond proposition for parish schools, the results of which were announced alongside the mayoral outcome.

Harris will take office as the new mayor of DeRidder, tasked with leading the city forward.