The City of Leesville will elect a new mayor on May 16 for the first time in 12 years, as incumbent Mayor Rick Allen announced he will not seek a fourth term, leaving an open seat and four candidates competing to lead Vernon Parish’s seat of government.
Allen, a Leesville native, was first elected mayor in 2014 and won re-election in 2018 and 2022. When he took office, he said the city was “flat broke.” He leaves it with $20 million in reserves and a series of infrastructure improvements underway, including a new sports complex and plans for a high-end hotel at its entrance.
“I promise the city of Leesville is more healthy now than it has ever been in its history because we have assembled the perfect team,” Allen said. He added that he is committed to ensuring a smooth handoff to his successor. Allen’s last day as mayor will be June 30.
In addition to his work in Leesville, Allen served as President of the Louisiana Municipal Association in 2024 and was a member of Gov. Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial transition team.
The Candidates
Four candidates are on the May 16 ballot:
James “Jim” Shapkoff previously served as Leesville’s 20th mayor from 1990 to 2006. During that tenure, he oversaw the acquisition of 100 acres for the city’s industrial park, establishment of the Office for Industrial Development, expansion of Leesville Municipal Airport, improvements to the water system, expansion of the sewer plant, and construction of a fire station in the Lee Hills area. Shapkoff, a Leesville resident since 1956, said he seeks to strengthen relationships with the military community at Fort Polk and expand the city’s industrial park.
Louis Hopkins is making his second bid for the office, having previously run against Allen in 2022 and lost. Hopkins said his top priority would be revitalizing the city’s community events and local centers, particularly the Martin Luther King Center. He said Leesville needs “socialized activities for the kids” and “more constructive things to do.”
LaFonda Stelly — a first-time candidate — said she would build on Allen’s infrastructure progress by implementing an “infill program” aimed at revitalizing vacant and abandoned properties across the city. She emphasized bringing together churches, civic groups and economic forums to bridge the gap between government and the community. “We need to come together as an entire unit in order to be able to see exactly who can assist in pushing forward,” she said.
Andrey Sandanski has also qualified for the May 16 race. The Vernon Parish Journal will provide additional information on Sandanski’s candidacy as it becomes available.
The May 16 primary election will determine Leesville’s next mayor. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top two candidates will advance to a runoff.
Sources: Louisiana Secretary of State candidate qualification records, February 2026; Leesville Leader, February 12, 2026; American Press, February 12, 2026; City of Leesville official website.