Boustany Joins Race for Lafayette City Judge Seat, Citing Justice Reform Goals

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - With an open city court judge's seat and an election coming in March, a familiar name has announced she is joining the race.

Roya Boustany, who ran against Edwards for the job in 2022, has announced her candidacy to replace Edwards.

Get our free mobile app

"I believe the core of our justice system is fairness," Boustany said in a statement released on Monday morning. "As a prosecutor, I've seen firsthand the challenges people face, and I've worked to ensure that justice is not only done but done efficiently and equitably.”

Boustany ran in 2022, managing to get into the runoff against Edwards, though an early surge in the early vote and good turnout for Edwards brought him over the finish line on election night.

READ MORE: Edwards Handily Wins Election for City Court Judge in Runoff

Despite their political rivalry two years ago, Boustany praised Edwards and the job he was doing before his sudden and unexpected death last month.

"Judge Edwards was at the infancy stages of creating some incredible programs," she said in her statement, "and I hope to carry on his legacy of addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, especially among our youth, so we can make our community stronger, safer, and create a better future for our citizens."

The election to fill Edwards' seat will be held on March 29, 2025. You can see Boustany's full press release announcing her candidacy below.

Roya Boustany Announces Candidacy for Lafayette City Court Judge

Lafayette, LA — November 18, 2024 — Assistant District Attorney and respected Felony Prosecutor, Roya Boustany, has announced her candidacy for Lafayette City Court Judge in the upcoming election on March 29, 2025. Boustany will seek to fill the vacant seat left by the untimely passing of Honorable Judge Jules Edwards.

With years of experience in prosecuting criminal cases, including several high-profile trials, Boustany has gained a reputation for her dedication to upholding and ensuring justice is delivered fairly.

"I believe the core of our justice system is fairness," Boustany said. "As a prosecutor, I've seen firsthand the challenges people face, and I've worked to ensure that justice is not only done but done efficiently and equitably.”

Boustany has three key goals if elected: juvenile justice reform, recidivism reduction, and sustaining the court for the future of Lafayette. She is particularly passionate about creating programs aimed at helping young offenders stay on the right path and break the cycle of crime before it takes root.

"Judge Edwards was at the infancy stages of creating some incredible programs and I hope to carry on his legacy of addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, especially among our youth, so we can make our community stronger, safer, and create a better future for our citizens."

The election for Lafayette City Court Judge will be held on March 29, 2025. For more information on Roya Boustany’s candidacy and platform, follow her campaign on
www.royaboustany.com
Facebook @RoyaBoustanyCampaign,
Instagram @royaboustanycampaign,
or email at roya@royaboustany.com.

Get our free mobile app