Simien Defeats Incumbent Mayor Hunter in Lake Charles Runoff Election

Lake Charles, LA – In a significant upset, Marshall Simien Jr. has defeated two-term incumbent Mayor Nic Hunter in the Lake Charles mayoral runoff election held on May 3. Simien, an Independent candidate and attorney, secured 7,703 votes (52%) while Hunter, a Republican, garnered 7,049 votes (48%).

Simien’s victory marks a new chapter for the city, with the incoming mayor pledging to focus on economic development, tourism, and supporting local businesses. A seasoned politician, Simien previously served on the Lake Charles City Council from 2005 to 2013 and ran for mayor in 2017, narrowly missing the runoff by 100 votes.

The runoff election followed a competitive primary on March 29, where Hunter led with 47% of the vote, and Simien trailed with 29%. Candidates Wilford Carter II, Khalid Taha, and James Steward were eliminated in the primary.

The election saw a voter turnout of 32%. With his victory, Simien will succeed Hunter as the mayor of Lake Charles, bringing a fresh perspective to the city’s leadership.