Voters in St. George returned to the polls on Saturday, May 3, to decide the final two city council seats—and delivered clear victories for both Republican candidates on the ballot.
In the at-large runoff, former state legislator Jim Talbot (R) defeated Shaunn Wyche (D), a Navy veteran and finance professional, securing 59% of the vote to Wyche’s 41%. Talbot received 7,287 votes to Wyche’s 5,051, according to unofficial results. Turnout stood at just over 21%.
Wyche, who campaigned on transparency, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility, framed his bid as a neighbor-driven campaign grounded in the everyday concerns of working families. Despite falling short, his performance reflected a competitive showing in a city still shaping its political identity.
Meanwhile, in District 4, Republican Patricia “Patty” Cook narrowly defeated independent challenger David Madaffari by just 154 votes—1,598 to 1,444. Cook captured 53% of the vote to Madaffari’s 47%, with turnout slightly higher than the at-large race at 24.5%.
Cook’s win finalizes the makeup of St. George’s inaugural city council, following the city’s incorporation and its first-ever elections this spring. She joins a predominantly Republican governing body tasked with guiding the newly-formed municipality through foundational decisions on services, budgeting, and its long-term relationship with East Baton Rouge Parish.
With all seven council members now elected—including both district and at-large representatives—the city can begin formal operations, starting with budget planning and negotiations over the intergovernmental service agreement that will determine how St. George interacts with the broader parish government.
While Republicans have secured a majority on the council, the tight margins and relatively low turnout suggest that political engagement in the city’s future remains a live question. Community advocates, including Wyche, have emphasized the need for more inclusive governance and increased public input as St. George takes its next steps.