By Malcolm Butler
Incumbent Mayor Ronny Walker officially qualified Thursday to run for a fourth consecutive term, while William Faulkner also qualified for the race, setting up a contest for Ruston’s highest elected office in the upcoming fall election.
Walker, who has served as mayor since first being elected in 2014, filed his qualifying paperwork Thursday morning and said he is asking voters for another four years to continue the city’s momentum.
“I’m excited to announce that I’m running for my fourth term as mayor of this great city,” said Walker, who will run opposed for the first time since his first election. “We’ve had a really strong run of 12 years of progress and lots of projects that have moved Ruston forward to the point that we’re the envy of lots of other cities across this state and this nation.”
Walker thanked Ruston residents for their support throughout his three terms in office.
“I’m just so appreciative of the people of Ruston allowing me to serve as mayor,” he said. “I look forward, hopefully, to serving four more years and continuing to get lots of projects done for the benefit of our citizens.”
During Walker’s tenure, Ruston has experienced significant public and private investment. Major initiatives have included the voter-approved Moving Ruston Forward infrastructure program, continued downtown revitalization efforts, expansion of the Ruston Sports Complex and numerous street, utility and quality-of-life improvements. The city is also preparing for several major private developments, including Buc-ee’s, a Willis Knighton Health Center and Radiance Technologies’ planned semiconductor manufacturing facility.
According to the Louisiana Secretary of State website, Faulkner also qualified Thursday and will challenge Walker for the mayor’s office.
The Lincoln Parish Journal has reach out to Faulkner requesting an interview and will update this story with his comments after that interview is completed.
If no additional candidate qualifies prior to the deadline, Walker and Faulkner will face one another in a two-man race.
Walker said he remains enthusiastic about continuing the work his administration has undertaken over the past dozen years.
“I look forward, hopefully, to serving four more years and continuing to get lots of projects done for the benefit of our citizens,” Walker said.
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