A significant change in municipal leadership is underway across LaSalle Parish as the mayors of all four incorporated towns — Jena, Olla, Tullos and Urania — have chosen not to seek reelection in the November 3, 2026, municipal elections.
The decisions mark an unusual political transition for the parish, with all four municipalities preparing to welcome new leadership at the same time.
The outgoing mayors have served communities with distinct histories, economic interests and local priorities. Their departures will give voters an opportunity to select new leaders who will guide their towns through the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The four outgoing mayors are LaDawn Cooper Edwards of Jena, Rhonda Elliott of Olla, Karla Cockerham of Tullos and Jay Ivy of Urania.
Jena Mayor LaDawn Cooper Edwards
After 12 years and three terms in office, Jena Mayor LaDawn Cooper Edwards is concluding a tenure that included infrastructure improvements, community development and the expansion of local traditions.
Edwards made history as the first woman elected mayor of Jena. Among the accomplishments of her administration were improvements to the town’s water system, including securing funding for a $4.7 million water system project and installing generators at local water wells.
She also helped establish popular community events, including Easter in the Park and Trunk-a-Treat, which have become annual traditions for local families.
Edwards has expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve Jena and plans to spend more time with family and church following her retirement.
Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott
Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott has also decided not to seek another term, opening the door for new leadership in the northern LaSalle Parish community.
Her departure is part of the broader transition affecting municipal governments throughout the parish.
Van J. Veuleman qualified without opposition for the Olla mayoral position, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s candidate listings.
Tullos Mayor Karla Cockerham
Tullos Mayor Karla Cockerham is preparing to conclude eight years of service marked by infrastructure improvements, financial recovery and community development.
During her administration, Tullos obtained its first permanent police department facility, installed cellular water meters, reconstructed Town Hall and improved its financial standing sufficiently to be removed from the state’s financial distress list.
Other accomplishments included playground improvements, securing land and funding for a new water filtration system, and efforts to improve the appearance and safety of the community.
Cockerham has credited town employees, elected officials, volunteers and residents for working together to address challenges, including severe weather events and rising construction costs.
Bethany Weisskopf qualified without opposition to succeed Cockerham as mayor.
Urania Mayor Jay Ivy
Urania Mayor Jay Ivy is also stepping away from municipal leadership after deciding not to seek reelection.
His departure creates another leadership transition in LaSalle Parish as Urania prepares for a new administration.
Two Republican candidates, Lucas Ledbetter and Donna Lindsey, qualified for the mayoral election, giving Urania voters a choice in determining the town’s next leader.
New Leadership Across LaSalle Parish
The November 3 election marks an important moment for municipal government across LaSalle Parish.
In Jena, Wayne Chapman and Mandy Sandifer qualified to compete for the mayor’s office. Urania voters will choose between Ledbetter and Lindsey, while Veuleman in Olla and Weisskopf in Tullos qualified without opposition.
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The incoming administrations will face responsibilities ranging from maintaining roads and utilities to managing municipal finances, supporting economic development and addressing the needs of residents.
Although each town faces its own challenges, the simultaneous departure of all four mayors represents a significant change in the parish’s political landscape.
As the outgoing mayors prepare to conclude their service, their successors will have the opportunity to build upon existing projects, establish new priorities and shape the future of their respective communities.
For residents of Jena, Olla, Tullos and Urania, 2026 marks the end of one chapter in local government and the beginning of another.