Four candidates vying for a pivotal seat on the 19th Judicial District Court took the stage on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library @ Goodwood, addressing an engaged audience on issues ranging from judicial philosophy to prison reform. Hosted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition in partnership with The Bayou Progressive, the forum provided a key platform for Dele Adebamiji, Vicky Jones, and Vernon Thomas to articulate their visions, though fellow candidate Elzie Alford Jr. was notably absent.
The open seat, created by Judge Wilson Fields‘ uncontested election to Louisiana’s First Circuit Court of Appeal, has attracted a field of Democrats, all looking to fill the void left by the former chief judge. With the primary election set for October 11, and a potential runoff in November, the candidates sought to distinguish themselves and earn the trust of voters.
Diverse Backgrounds and Opening Pitches
Each candidate introduced themselves with a distinct emphasis on their qualifications and motivations. Dele Adebamiji, who identifies as a “true Jaguar” with three degrees from Southern University and over 35 years of law practice, highlighted his deep community roots and commitment to youth, including coaching opponent Vicky Jones’ son. Adebamiji at one point jokingly asserted, “I’m not number one on the ballot for nothing. Okay? It’s providence.”
Vicky Jones stressed her extensive legal career spanning 33 years across all court levels, including federal and state Supreme Courts. An adjunct professor at Southern University and an LSU Law School graduate, Jones emphasized her “life experience” as a working mother and pledged to treat all individuals in her courtroom with “fairness” and “respect,” viewing them “as if, you know, it’s my own child.”
Vernon Thomas leaned heavily on his diverse professional background, encompassing roles as a prosecutor (military and civilian), public defender, and staff attorney for criminal judges. He also noted his military service and civil and entertainment law practice. Thomas distilled his judicial philosophy into a “FACE card”—Fairness, Accountability, Compassion, and Efficiency — aiming to offer a “360 degree perspective” on justice.
Judicial Role and Court Reform: A Split on Policy
A significant point of divergence emerged during discussions on the role of judges as policymakers. While all candidates agreed that judges primarily interpret law, their views on judicial influence varied.
Jones suggested that judges, though not policymakers, can “alleviate some of those issues” through actions like “a 701 motion” to ensure timely charges or releases for those in jail. She vowed to remain “connected to the community” to hear concerns. Thomas concurred that the judicial role is “reactive” but believed judges should “be part of the legislative process at the very least giving our input”.
Adebamiji, however, took a more circumspect view. “Judges are not policy makers,” he stated firmly, adding that a judge’s discretion is critical: “Do you use that discretion to help your community or Do you use that discretion to hurt your community? That’s where a judge comes in.” He also pragmatically noted that a judge cannot directly intervene in jail conditions, suggesting that addressing such issues requires engagement with legislators.
On the topic of internal changes within the 19th JDC, such as the implementation of a commissioner’s court and specialized courts, all candidates expressed positive views. Thomas, a veteran, particularly lauded the “veterans court” and advocated for a “mental health court.” Adebamiji, who said he had advocated for commissioners for “many, many years ago,” agreed they should handle misdemeanor cases to ease the district court’s burden and also suggested a focus on traffic tickets. Jones praised the “domestic violence court,” stating such specialized divisions allow for a closer look at “nuances of those particular crimes” benefiting all parties.
Community Access and Addressing Repeat Offenders
The role of “court watchers” and general public access to courts also drew varied responses. Jones “absolutely agree[d]” with court watching, seeing them as a “tremendous asset” for both the community and judges by bringing forth concerns. She pledged to remain “accessible” once on the bench. Thomas echoed this, calling court watchers “beacons” of “accessibility and transparency.”
Adebamiji acknowledged the value of court watchers in exposing uneven justice, but offered a dose of realism regarding direct accessibility. “I cannot sit down here and tell you that if I’m elected judge okay my door will be 24 hours open to you I’ll be lying to you it’s not possible,” he stated, promising not to ignore people but emphasizing practical limitations.
The issue of repeat violent offenders, particularly those committing crimes with weapons, generated strong responses. Jones differentiated between first-time offenders who deserve “opportunity to rectify that mistake” and “habitual offenders” who “have to be more severe” to prioritize “public safety.” Thomas agreed, stating that if a person bonds out after a violent crime and commits another, “they need to be held” without bond, as public safety should be paramount. Adebamiji suggested that for violent crimes with weapons, bonds should be set “the kind of bond that will make you think twice,” and that “much discretion should not be allowed” in such situations.
Rebuilding Trust and Final Pitches
When asked how they would rebuild trust with a community often harmed by the justice system, transparency and fairness were common themes. Thomas advocated for “transparency with the public” and stressed the importance of judges standing on their fair and balanced rulings. Adebamiji relied on his reputation, noting that his 35 years as a defense counsel without advertising demonstrates trust from clients, and stated, “my faith will prohibit me from lying.” Jones reiterated her consistent character, emphasizing her experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, and proposed a “judicial advisory commission” to maintain court-community connections.
In their closing remarks, Thomas reiterated his “father, soldier, lawyer, and a man” identity, emphasizing his diverse experience and understanding of community needs. Jones concluded with her core principles of “faith, family, and fairness,” advocating for a balance between public safety and opportunities for rehabilitation. She encouraged support for her, “number three on your ballot.” Adebamiji passionately highlighted his 40 years in the community, his family’s deep roots and success in Baton Rouge, and his commitment to protecting the community from violent crime. He urged voters to consider his “experience from Day One” and to “go out there and vote number one” in reference to his ballot number.
As the October 11 election approaches, the forum underscored the varied approaches and philosophies of the candidates seeking to fill the crucial 19th JDC seat.