Kenner’s municipal elections officially kicked off Wednesday, though there have been some pre-qualifying skirmishes in recent weeks as city leaders prepare for what is expected to be a protracted and intense campaign ahead of the March 26 elections.
During the first few hours of qualifying Wednesday, the group seeking city office featured a number of familiar faces and set the stage for what are expected to be a number of fierce clashes in the state’s sixth largest city.
As expected, Mayor Ben Zahn both qualified for reelection and drew a challenge from current Police Chief Michael Glaser, who is term-limited in his chief position. Both are Republicans.
Current District 2 Councilman Mike Sigur and former City Councilman Keith Conley jumped into the race to replace Glaser. Both candidates are Republicans.
In the City Council races, both at-large members, Kristi McKinney in Division A and Tom Willmott in Division B, signed up to run again. Both are Republicans.
In District 1, Dee Dunn, Freddie Davis, and David Weathersby have qualified for the seat, which is currently held by the term-limited Gregory Carroll. Davis, Dunn, and Weathersby are Democrats.
Mike Sigur’s son, Scott Sigur, qualified to run for his dad’s District 2 council seat, as did political newcomer Ronnie Scharwath. Both are Republicans. Former Kenner Councilman Keith Reynaud is seeking his old District 3 seat, which is currently held by Glenn Hayes, who is not expected to run for reelection. Joey LaHatte III also qualified for the District 3 race. Both are Republicans.
Incumbents George Branigan and Brian Brennan qualified for the District 4 and 5 seats, respectively. As of Wednesday afternoon, Brennan had drawn two challengers — parish and city gadfly Al Morella, a frequent candidate who has vowed not to take any campaign contributions, and Harold Boedenheimer Jr. Morella and Bodenheimer are independents.
Kenner Mayor
Michael Glaser Sr., R
Ben Zahn, R
Kenner Police Chief
Keith Conley, R
Michael “Mike” Sigur, R
Kenner City Council, At-Large Div. A
Kristi Katsanis McKinney, R
Kenner City Council, At-Large Div. B
Tom Willmott, R
Kenner City Council, Dist. 1
Freddie Davis, D
Dee Dunn, D
David Weathersby, D
Kenner City Council, Dist. 2
Ronnie Scharwath, R
Scott Sigur, R
Kenner City Council, Dist. 3
Joey LaHatte III, R
Keith Reynaud, R
Kenner City Council, Dist. 4
George Branigan, R
Kenner City Council, Dist. 5
Harold Bodenheimer Jr., I
Brian Brennan, R
Albert “Al” Morella, I
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