In the first round, held on October 14, Republican John Nickelson and Democrat Henry L. Whitehorn, Sr. were the highest-placing candidates, advancing to a November 18 runoff.

[11] Republican John Nickelson entered the race on July 16 at the urging of Prator, whose endorsement he immediately received.

[2] Whitehorn argued that Nickelson's lack of relevant experience meant he would not understand the challenges law enforcement officers face.

Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Mike Spence, responsible for the election, noted the unusual nature of the close race.

[18] Following the recount, Nickelson filed a lawsuit in the Caddo District Court, with Whitehorn and Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin as defendants.

The ruling noted that Nickelson had definitively proven eleven illegally-cast votes, exceeding the one-vote margin of victory.

[23] Whitehorn's request to appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court was denied, ensuring a rerun election, to be held concurrently with the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries in the state on March 23, 2024.

[26] Nickelson claimed that these comparisons were "racially divisive" and that he intended to represent everyone in Caddo Parish, regardless of their race.