Cheneyville’s mayor, Derrick Johnson, has announced he will not seek re-election.

This March will hold a few local races to watch for, including the race for Cheneyville’s mayor.

Johnson served as mayor of Cheneyville starting in 2013 after defeating candidate Reginald Allen with 55% of the vote in April. He is the immediate past president of the Louisiana Municipal Association. He is also one of two mayors currently serving as an attorney in central Louisiana.

Johnson’s seat will now be up for grabs in the March 29 election. So far, only one candidate has qualified for the mayor’s race – Francis Mitchell (D). Qualifying ended Friday, Jan. 31.

Mayor Johnson has released the following statement regarding his decision:

Although this is not an easy decision, I have chosen not to seek re-election for Mayor of Cheneyville. While there are no term limits, I made a decision at the beginning of my third term that it would be my last because we live in a democracy and I believe in giving the next generation an opportunity to lead. I am proud of the work that we have accomplished throughout my three terms from infrastructure, drainage, and recreational projects. Though I will no longer be mayor, I will still be very active in my community and the surrounding areas. God has truly blessed me throughout my journey and I look forward to serving the citizens of Rapides Parish in my role as Assistant District Attorney. I feel confident that throughout these years I have motivated the next generation to get involved in local government and that I have showed them not to be afraid to dream big. I will forever be grateful to the citizens of Cheneyville for allowing me to be their mayor for the last 12 years. I look forward to working with the next mayor and council to ensure a smooth transition for the betterment of our community.