By JIM BUTLER 

When Phillip Terrell resigned as Pineville city judge to run for district attorney in 2014 he seeded his campaign with $30,000 of his own money. Successful, he took office with $400.62 remaining in the election fund that had reached about $150,000 during the race, according to annual reports. 

Things change. He entered this, the last year of his second six-year term with $340,000 in campaign funds. 

His recently filed report shows the campaign arm, beginning 2025 with $81,500 on hand, raised $297,500 during the year and spent $39,000. 

Over his first 11 years in the post, no funds were raised in four of them, less than $4,000 in three others, including 2024. 

Sums grow as elections near, whatever office is involved. 

For example, Terrell raised no money 2016-18, $188,000 in 2019 and $250,000 in election year 2020, reports show. 

A host of contributors gave to his fund in 2025. Expenses included $6,000 each to campaigns of Brian Cespiva, elected a 9th Judicial District judge and Jay McCallum, re-elected District 4 La. Supreme Court justice. 

Contributors included: 

$6,000 – Damon Hirieh, Samuel T. Mahfouz, Marler Ford, Barry L. Mitchell, National Waste Management-Deville, Neblett Beard & Arsenault, Pan American Engineers, Precision Paint & Drywall, Jeffrey Richardson, Cespiva Law Firm, Thomas O. Wells; 

$5,000 – C. Hugh Tarver Jr. & Associates, Gerald J. League Jr. MD, DJ Bail Bonds, Morris & Dewitt Injury Lawyers, Shelton Energy Solutions; 

$4,000 – Harold A. Murry Attorney, Sal’s Used Cars dba S Motors; 

$3,500 – Law Office of John R. Flynn; 

$3,000 – Central Management Winnfield, Durand Builders, ATL George Higgins III, Montasser Jabber, Ricky McMickens; 

$2,500 – Local 247 PAC, Mark Wood Campaign, Gracey Ponthie, TTY Properties Natchitoches.