In the closing weeks of the Caddo Parish District Attorney contest, State Senator Alan Seabaugh holds a decisive cash advantage over his opponent, former prosecutor James Stewart. The latest campaign finance filing shows Seabaugh with $504,799 in cash on hand, compared to Stewart’s $151,603.
Fundraising totals and spending patterns
Seabaugh raised $161,266 and spent $57,245 during the reporting period, leaving his campaign with a robust war chest. Stewart reported $84,160 in contributions and $139,214 in expenditures, resulting in a much smaller cash balance.
The disparity began before this year’s filing cycle. Seabaugh entered the period with $400,778, while Stewart started with $205,802.
Donor bases differ markedly
Seabaugh’s contributions include several political action committees and business interests. Notable donors are Cajun PAC II ($6,000), the Louisiana Nursing Home PAC ($3,000), and Nexion Health at Pierremont ($3,000). Seabaugh told The Center Square that his donor support reflects his record in the Legislature, saying, “I support businesses. I support people who create jobs. I support people who make the economy work, and they appreciate the job that I’ve done for them.”
Stewart’s donor list leans toward attorneys, law firms, and public officials. Individual attorneys Tony Clayton, Ryan Gatti and Austin Townsend each contributed $6,000, and the Foster Campbell Campaign Fund gave $5,000.
Advertising expenditures
Although Seabaugh holds a larger cash reserve, Stewart outspent him by nearly $82,000, focusing heavily on signs and local media. Stewart’s campaign paid $24,875 to Cayenne Marketing, $9,492 to Townsquare Media, and $5,700 to KTBS. Seabaugh’s biggest expenses were $24,068 for campaign mail and roughly $11,800 on signs and stakes.
Seabaugh explained his spending strategy as a backward‑looking approach from Election Day, stating he spends only what is necessary and does not intentionally hoard money.
Historical context and future filings
Seabaugh referenced the 2015 Stewart campaign, noting that billionaire George Soros contributed nearly a million dollars late in that race. Records show Soros gave between $850,000 and $930,000 to the Louisiana Safety & Justice PAC, which funded advertising for Stewart.
The Center Square reached out to Stewart’s campaign for comment but received no response before publication.
What voters need to know
Voters in Caddo Parish will decide between Seabaugh and Stewart on Nov. 3. The next campaign finance reports are due Oct. 26 and will cover contributions and spending through Oct. 14, offering a final look at each candidate’s financial footing before Election Day.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
