Errol Victor, Sr.
Errol Victor Sr. a pastor from St. John the Baptist, is one of seven candidates running for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district. What makes his candidacy unique is he’s awaiting retrial after his murder conviction was ordered for retrial because of a non-unanimous jury conviction. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley this race will make for some good teaching points.
“Currently there is no rule that says you have to live in the Congressional District to run for Congress. He is currently awaiting trial so, technically he has been charged but is not convicted with his new circumstances,” said Stockley.
In 2014 Victor was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2008 death of his 8-year-old stepson. In 2020 the Supreme Court overturned non-unanimous convictions, so Victor is now awaiting retrial in a facility located in the 5th Congressional District.
As for his motive to run for office, ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley wonders if Victor truly wants to represent the state on a federal level or…
“Is there something more self-serving in mind maybe popularity for his cause, an attempt to raise money thinking he can use that money for his trial, who knows,” said Stockley.
Julia Letlow, wife of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow who won the seat in December but later died of COVID before being sworn in, is the projected frontrunner in the race. Stockley says if for some reason voters elect Victor it doesn’t mean he’s automatically going to represent the state.
“Congress would still have the ability to remove him from Congress and or refuse to seat him in the first place, so a victory does not automatically mean he would be a Congressperson,” said Stockley.
Victor is registered as a Republican and made national headlines in 2012 when he along with his wife Tonya Victor, were captured and arrested in Georgia after being featured on America’s Most Wanted when they failed to show for court in 2011.
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