Packed field lining up to replace outgoing St. Tammany Parish President

Eight individuals reportedly considering running for the open seat after current Parish President Mike Cooper announced he will not seek a third term.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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With St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announcing he will not run for a third term, a crowded field of potential candidates has emerged to replace him. The list includes several well-known names in local politics, including former Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, former Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder, Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden, Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany founder Rick Franzo, Slidell City Councilman Trey Brownfield, and current St. Tammany Parish Chief Administrative Officer Gina Hayes. While some potential candidates like former Parish Council Chairman Joe Impastato and Fire District #1 Chief Chris Kaufmann have opted not to run, the race is shaping up to be a competitive one with an estimated $500,000 or more needed to mount a serious campaign.

Why it matters

The St. Tammany Parish President is a powerful position that oversees the parish's $250 million budget and is responsible for addressing major issues like the parish's ongoing fiscal challenges. With Cooper's decision not to run again, this open seat has attracted significant interest from a diverse field of candidates, each promising to bring a different approach and set of priorities to the role.

The details

The list of potential candidates includes several experienced politicians and public officials. Greg Cromer is a former Slidell mayor who narrowly lost to Cooper in the last election. John Schroder is a former state treasurer and representative who says he has the background to be a "consensus builder" and solve the parish's fiscal problems. Clay Madden is the current mayor of Mandeville, while Rick Franzo is the founder of the influential Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany group. Trey Brownfield is a Slidell city councilman, and Gina Hayes is the current St. Tammany Parish Chief Administrative Officer. Other potential candidates like former Parish Council Chairman Joe Impastato and Fire District #1 Chief Chris Kaufmann have decided not to run.

  • The next St. Tammany Parish President election will be held on October 9, 2027.
  • Current Parish President Mike Cooper announced last week that he will not seek a third term.

The players

Greg Cromer

Former Slidell mayor who ran against Cooper in the last election and was narrowly defeated.

John Schroder

Former Louisiana treasurer and former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives who ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor.

Clay Madden

Current mayor of Mandeville, serving his second term.

Rick Franzo

Founder of the Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany (CCST) organization.

Trey Brownfield

Current Slidell city councilman.

Gina Hayes

Current Chief Administrative Officer for St. Tammany Parish government.

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What they’re saying

“I definitely have serious interest, which will come down to if the people want it. Money won't be the decisive factor for me, but at this point, I have every intention to enter this race unless something tells me it isn't right.”

— John Schroder, Former Louisiana Treasurer (Slidell Independent)

“I have wanted the job for years, but it was always the campaign process that gave me pause. But right now I am seriously considering this. I deeply care for St. Tammany and want to build a future for my kids and grandkids. I know firsthand every detail of what this job entails and have the education, certifications and experience in local government that will make me the most qualified.”

— Gina Hayes, St. Tammany Parish Chief Administrative Officer (Slidell Independent)

What’s next

The potential candidates have indicated they will take several months to gauge support before making final decisions on whether to run, with most saying they will make their intentions clear by the start of summer 2027.

The takeaway

This open race for St. Tammany Parish President has attracted a diverse field of experienced candidates, each promising to bring a unique approach to addressing the parish's fiscal challenges and other pressing issues. Voters will have a wide range of options to choose from in selecting the next leader of this fast-growing and influential parish.