Mayor Pro-Tem Switches to Republican

Washington Says Democrats Don’t Represent Him
CENTRAL — In ceremonies at the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon Tuesday, City of Central Mayor Pro-Tem Ralph Washington announced that he is changing his party affiliation to Republican.
With a packed house at Café Américain and the media present, Washington told his life story — from being born at Charity Hospital into a family of 12 children, living in poverty, being one of the first blacks to integrate East Ascension High to managing a large chemical plant on the Mississippi.
He told of his experiences in business in Central and serving on the City Council.  Then he described the leftward course of the Democratic Party.  He said his attendance at the At-Large Conference, a national conferences of black conservatives, made him realize that he is a Republican.  To cheers and a standing ovation, Washington was welcomed by Sen. Elbert Guillory and state GOP chairman Roger Villere.

Washington Won’t Run for Mayor But Will Seek Council
CENTRAL — Central Mayor Pro-Tem Ralph Washington said Wednesday night he will not run for Mayor in the April 5, 2014, but is likely to run for reelection to the City Council.
Washington said he is developing some long-term contracts for his business that preclude a race for Mayor.  “Even though I won’t be running for Mayor, I do want to stay involved, because I love this community.  With the possibility of several new Council members, it is important to have some experience on the Council.  We have a lot left to do, and I would like to keep working if the people give me the opportunity to do so.”