Melvin Lee “Kip” Holden, the first African American to serve as Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish and a transformative figure in Baton Rouge politics, died early this morning at The Carpenter House hospice center after a lengthy illness. He was 72 years old.
Holden’s passing marks the end of a career defined by barrier-breaking achievements and a relentless commitment to uniting a diverse community. His decades of public service spanned roles as a journalist, attorney, law professor and elected official at every level of local and state government. Funeral arrangements are pending.
A Life of Firsts and Service
Born in Baton Rouge on August 12, 1952, Holden forged a path from local media to the highest office in the parish. He earned a B.A. in Journalism from Louisiana State University in 1974, followed by an M.A. in Journalism (1982) and a Juris Doctor (1985) from Southern University Law Center—each degree completed in his hometown of Baton Rouge.
Before seeking office, Holden’s résumé included stints as a reporter at WXOK and WWL radio, a broadcast journalist at WBRZ Channel 2, a clerk in the Workers’ Compensation Office, a public information officer for Baton Rouge City Police, and a public relations specialist at the U.S. Census Bureau. Beginning in 1991, he also served as an adjunct law professor at Southern University Law Center, mentoring future generations of Louisiana attorneys.
Steady Rise Through the Ranks
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Metro Council (1984–1988): Holden launched his political journey representing District 2 on the Baton Rouge Metro Council.
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Louisiana House (1988–2002): He then spent fourteen years in the State House for District 63, championing education funding and criminal-justice reform.
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State Senate (2002–2004): In the Senate, he continued building coalitions across party and racial lines.
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Mayor-President (2005–2016): After two unsuccessful bids in 1996 and 2000, Holden unseated incumbent Bobby Simpson in 2004. Sworn in on January 3, 2005, he went on to win reelection in 2008 with 71 percent of the vote, overseeing a period of economic development, infrastructure improvements and strengthened public-safety programs.
During his tenure, Holden joined the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in 2008. Though his 2015 bid for lieutenant governor ended in defeat, his influence on Baton Rouge’s civic life remained profound.
Legacy of Unity and Progress
Holden’s leadership style was rooted in his ability to bridge divides. By building alliances with both urban and suburban constituencies—and even drawing support from across the aisle—he advanced policies that aimed to uplift all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish. His administration focused on job creation, economic opportunity, improvements in public safety, expansion of educational resources and upgrades to roads and drainage systems.
Former Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome praised Holden as “a relentless advocate for progress” whose very example “opened doors and shifted possibilities” for future leaders. Current Mayor-President Sid Edwards called him “a trailblazer and devoted public servant who left an indelible mark on Baton Rouge.” Edwards added, “His vision, tireless commitment and genuine love for our community paved the way for generations to come.”
Holden is survived by his wife, Lois; their five children; and two sisters.