Two days into the qualifying period for this year’s fall elections, we can see that while the face of Ascension Parish politics may be changing, some old names have resurfaced among the newcomers.

The race that appears to have the most fire is that of the 23rd Judicial District Attorney.

With long-time DA Anthony Falterman set to retire, four candidates are vying to succeed him. These include his current First Assistant DA Ricky Babin and current Assistant DA Charles “Chuck” Long. Meanwhile, former State Sen. Louis Lambert has also qualified for the race, as has former District Judge Pegram J. Mire Jr.

Babin has been one of the most recognizable legal figures in the parish for some time. Serving until as legal counsel for parish government, Babin has also played a role in trying high-profile cases in the district. Another well-known figure, Long has also prosecuted numerous high-profile cases in his lengthy career. During his time on the bench, Mire has presided over such cases as well. Some say this makes Lambert the outsider in the race, but the former Public Service Commissioner also has a distinguished record in both legal matters and in the legislature that many feel support his claim as the best candidate.

The changes will definitely be seen in Gonzales municipal government, as numerous positions are open with the chance of at least four new faces come January.

As he had hinted for some time, Gonzales Mayor Johnny Berthelot is calling it a career. Two well-known names in the Gonzales community hope to continue Berthelot’s success as head of the city government. Former Gonzales Police Chief Barney Arceneaux looks to return to municipal government, while former Parish Councilman Martin McConnell has also thrown his hat into the ring.

The Gonzales Council will also be losing two long-time members at year’s end. Alvin “Bully” Dragg and Larry Savell have decided not to run for re-election. The remainder of the council – Terance Irvin, Kenny Matassa and Ronald “Joe” Waguespack – are seeking re-election, with only Matassa seeing opposition as of Thursday from Brad “Plug” Lavigne, who ran for Parish Council last year.

There are some new faces in the political realm trying for positions, however. The race to succeed outgoing Gonzales Police Chief saw two candidates qualify as of Thursday afternoon, both of whom are current officers within the department. Chris Anderson and Sherman Jackson each bring a wealth of experience and vigor to the table in an interesting race.

Newcomers Kirk J. Boudreaux and Ralph Delatte Jr., both Democrats, qualified for the open Division B race as of Thursday. Meanwhile, current Ascension Chamber of Commerce Board President John J. Cagnolatti, a Republican, was the only candidate that qualified for the Division E seat as of Thursday.

Qualifying runs through Friday, so there is a chance some of the incumbents currently running solo may see a last-minute entry to make them sweat. Either way, it will be an interesting next two months, to say the least.