Alexandria, La. (4/20/2026) – Raymond Eli Smith has announced his candidacy for Alexandria City Marshal, stepping into the race with a focus on public safety and accountability. He says his campaign is grounded in experience and service to the community.
Smith brings years of work in law enforcement and security. He spent a decade with the Pineville Police Department. He also worked at Rapides Regional Medical Center and supervised security at Alexandria Mall.
Smith said the decision to run came from a desire to serve in a larger role. He believes the Marshal’s office should be a steady link between the courts and the community. He also said residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and businesses.
His platform focuses on improving how the office operates. Smith said the work requires consistency when serving legal documents and carrying out court orders. He plans to focus on efficiency and reliability.
He also stressed the importance of transparency. Smith said public trust comes from fairness and equal enforcement of the law. He believes that standard should guide every action taken by the office.
Smith said his leadership style is shaped by family and community values. He wants to work closely with residents and local partners to address public safety concerns. He added that real progress requires community involvement.
As the race begins to take shape, Smith plans to meet voters through local events and conversations. He is encouraging residents to share their concerns and priorities.
Considering a Run for Office
For those considering a run for office in Louisiana, the process starts with qualifying through the proper election authority. Local candidates, like city marshal, qualify with the parish Clerk of Court. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements, including residency and voter status, and must file paperwork during a designated qualifying period. They can qualify by paying a fee or submitting petition signatures, depending on the race.
State law also requires candidates for city marshal to be registered voters and residents of the area for at least two years before the election. Louisiana uses an open primary system, meaning all candidates appear on the same ballot, and a runoff is held if no one gets a majority.
Voter participation will play a key role in this race. Residents in Louisiana can register online, by mail, or in person. Voters must register at least 20 days before an election if applying online, or 30 days if registering by mail or in person. A valid ID or documents confirming identity and residency are required to complete registration.
The Alexandria City Marshal race is still developing, and Smith is now among those seeking the role. More candidates are expected to enter as qualifying periods approach.
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