Council sets Nov. 3, 2026 special election to fill St. Tammany Parish sheriff vacancy

The St. Tammany Parish Council voted June 29 to call a special election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to fill the vacant St. Tammany Parish sheriffs position after approving Resolution Council Series No. C7336.

The resolution passed after a brief procedural correction to the qualifying dates. A council member noted the resolution had been published listing qualifying days as Sunday through Tuesday, and the council substituted corrected language to show the actual qualifying period runs Wednesday through Friday. The substitution was moved, seconded and approved before the final vote.

Sheriff Jason Smith addressed the council during the public-comment period, urging a prompt resolution so law enforcement agencies can restore organizational relationships. "...it was worth noting the size and the influence that St. Tammany Parish has in the world of law enforcement. ... selfishly, my agency would benefit from having this resolved as quickly as possible," Smith said.

A motion to set the election date was moved by a council member identified in the record as Mr. Pada and seconded by another member. President Cooper said he supported holding the election at the earliest reasonable date "for the benefit of our citizens" and for the sheriffs department.

The resolution passed with 12 yays, one abstention and one absent. Councilwoman Cowan stated she abstained for personal reasons, saying she had personal contacts related to the decision and therefore recused herself from voting.

The councils action formally begins the process to place the sheriffs vacancy on the Nov. 3, 2026 special election ballot; qualifying timelines and other election logistics will follow the corrected qualifying days and applicable election rules.