Lincoln and Union parishes will be looking for a new district attorney next year.
Current D.A. John Belton announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election as the Third Judicial District Attorney in 2026.
A press release disseminated to the media said Belton was first elected district attorney in 2014 and again in 2020 without opposition. In Louisiana, district attorneys serve a six-year term.
Before his election in 2014, Belton maintained a law practice in Ruston and worked as an assistant district attorney.
During his three decades as a prosecutor, Belton served as vice president and later president of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association and vice president of the National District Attorneys Association, of which he is also a board member.
Belton is a former board member of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, a member of the Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission, a former member of the University Medical Center Management Corporation, a board member of the Louis Martinet Society, and a board member of Teach 1 to Lead 1.
Belton also served on the Southern University Board of Supervisors from 1999-2005, including four years as chairman of the board.
Belton grew up in Evangeline and Acadia parishes. He played college football and was active in student government at McNeese State University where he earned his B.A. He received his law degree at Southern University Law School.
After moving to Ruston, Belton became involved in the community, serving on numerous boards of local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Belton said he plans to continue public service after retirement by promoting the Willie Belton Hero Hunt, which is a memorial to John Belton’s late father. The annual deer hunt is held for Purple Heart recipients wounded in combat.
Candidates looking to replace Belton must have practiced law in Louisiana for at least five years prior to the election and resided in the Third Judicial District for the two years preceding the election.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
