By JIM BUTLER

Two attorneys have qualified for the March 23 election to fill retired Ninth District Judge John Davidson’s term, which expires in 2026.

Loren Lampert and Allie Nowlin, well-known on their own right and with ties to community leaders of the past, seek the District D post vacant since September.

Lampert, who opened a law practice in 1998, was later Alexandria police chief for six years, is a former assistant DA in Rapides and later in Calcasieu parishes and executive director of the Louisiana District Attorney Assn.

Nowlin clerked for former District Judge Harry Randow before joining the firm of Crowell and Owens. On 2016 she became the district court’s staff attorney-criminal cases and senior law clerk. She was honored by the local bar this year for her pro bono work.

Nowlin’s maternal grandfather, Hamp Smith, was active in community affairs and a restaurateur. Her great-grandfather, Herbie K Smith, operated one of the state’s most well-known restaurants and active in civic affairs.

Lampert’s father, Marc, was, at different times, city prosecutor, city attorney and an assistant DA. He also was a felony public defender.

Lampert is a Republican, with a who’s who list of local and state endorsements. Nowlin is an Independent.