Keeping count in House District 1

For those of you keeping count, there are now three announced candidates for state House District 1, the seat left empty by the death of Roy “Hoppy” Hopkins last month. (Click here for a map.)

Mooringsport resident Richie Hollier added his name this week, joining fellow Democrat and Oil City Justice of the Peace Ruth Johnston and Republican Caddo Parish Commissioner Jim Morris. The special election is Feb. 24.

Each announced their candidacy in a different way.

Morris was the first, gathering at Government Plaza with at least two dozen supporters that included Hopkins’ son Todd, state Rep. Billy Montgomery, Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and his wife Carolyn, and Caddo District Attorney Paul Carmouche. Christmas cards from the Morris family to district residents followed a few weeks later.

Johnston came next, blanketing newsroom editors with an e-mailed announcement.

Hollier showed up unannounced at The Times – press release, pushcard and photograph in hand.

So is a Democratic candidate a shoo-in to replace the late Democratic representative?

Voter registration statistics show the district has fewer Democrats than it did just five years ago.

The district’s makeup then: 54 percent Democrat, 26 percent Republican and 20 percent other party.

The district’s makeup now: 46 percent Democrat, 30 percent Republican and 24 percent other party.

For you number gurus, here are a few more specifics as of Dec. 15:

Total registered voters: 27,259
White voters: 20,702
Black voters: 5,726
Other race voters: 831
Democrats: 12,543
Republicans: 8,202
Other party: 6,514