A recently conducted sheriff election in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, went down to the wire, with the Democratic candidate winning by a single vote. Given the narrow victory, the Republican candidate requested an official recount of the votes.
On Facebook, GOP candidate John Nickelson posted a letter asking the Caddo Parish clerk for an official hand recount of the 43,241 total ballots cast in the recent runoff election for sheriff, as reported by Just the News.
The race between Henry Whitehorn and John Nickelson for Caddo Parish Sheriff came down to a single vote. One single vote! A recount is certain, and it remains to be seen who will become the next sheriff. >>> https://t.co/pf3e2lj4hf #Louisiana #Election2024 pic.twitter.com/uIhJhmPoi0
— Daniel Jovic (@DanJovicNews) November 19, 2023
Nickelson took out some personal money to pay for the official recount.
“This extraordinarily narrow margin—a difference of .00002—absolutely requires a hand recount to protect the integrity of our democratic process, and to ensure we respect the will of the people,” the GOP sheriff candidate wrote on Facebook.
The sheriff-elect, Henry Whitehorn, expressed confidence that he would remain the winner of the election even after a recount is finalized.
“I’m grateful I came out victorious with one vote. It’s like we tell people all the time: every vote counts. I’m thankful that the results are what they are, and I believe they will stay as they are,” Whitehorn said, per KSLA 12.
“I’m trusting God that everything was done properly. And, if anything, I believe the vote would probably go up in my favor. At least I’m hoping that’s the case,” he added.
The sheriff-elect continued by saying that he believes a smooth transition of power is in order and that one of the first things he will address is violent crime and jail overcrowding taking place in Shreveport, Louisiana.
“I’m looking forward to working with the current administration and, as we move forward, with the other law enforcement partners in this area, such as the Shreveport Police Department, the federal agencies, state police, the district attorney’s office, and the courts to make sure we’ve got a handle on what we need to do,” Whitehorn said.
If confirmed, Whitehorn would replace Sheriff Steve Prator, who sought not to run for reelection after enduring a health scare.
Whitehorn previously served as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Jan. 31, 2020, per the Shreveport Times.
