(The Center Square) – Michael Mays, a 20-year-old security guard who became the youngest person to run for mayor of Shreveport, has withdrawn from the race and announced plans to seek a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives.
Mays announced the decision in a Facebook post, saying months of prayer and reflection led him to change course.
“When I announced my campaign for mayor of Shreveport, I did so because I genuinely believed I could help move our city forward,” Mays wrote. “After countless prayers, long conversations with those I trust, and much reflection, I have made a decision that was not easy, but one that I believe is the right one.”
He said he is “officially withdrawing” from the mayoral race and instead plans to run for the House’s District 3 seat.
“This decision is not about giving up,” Mays wrote. “It is not about losing faith in our city. … Sometimes God changes our direction, not our purpose.”
Mays said his legislative campaign will focus on supporting families, educators, law enforcement, first responders, small businesses, economic development and infrastructure.
“I want to be a representative who is present not just during election season, but every day,” he wrote. “I want to earn your trust through hard work, honesty, accessibility, and accountability.”
The announcement comes ahead of Louisiana’s Aug. 5-7 qualifying period for the Nov. 3 elections. Candidates for local and municipal offices, including the Shreveport mayor’s race, must qualify during that three-day period.
He thanked supporters of his mayoral campaign, saying their encouragement had prepared him for “this next chapter.”
“This is not the end of my commitment to public service,” Mays wrote. “It is the beginning of a new chapter.”
Mays told The Center Square he’s endorsing Caddo Commissioner John-Paul Young for mayor.
“I wanted to see a change in the city,” he said. “I want to see something better for the city. I think John-Paul Young may be the best candidate because he supports law enforcement, as well as clean and safe streets, and that’s the same thing as my agenda.”
