On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate reported that all Caddo Parish district judges have recused themselves from presiding over the open meeting law lawsuit filed against the Caddo Parish Commission.
The judges of Louisiana’s First Judicial District stated in a court filing that they would not rule on a case involving parties that oversee their work, and will pass the responsibility of the lawsuit to another jurisdiction. The Louisiana Supreme Court is now expected to decide on their replacement.
The legal action stems from a complaint filed by Commissioner Chris Kracman, which prompted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill to investigate a potential violation of the state’s open meeting law. The controversy arose after Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts presented Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders with a resolution welcoming him during his visit to Shreveport in June. The resolution, printed on Commission letterhead and bearing the signatures of the body’s seven Democrats, had not been subjected to a vote or public hearing.
Attorney General Murrill subsequently sued the Commission and the seven Democrats in August, alleging a “pattern and practice” of open meeting law violations. Although the Commission later voted to “ratify” the Sanders resolution, Murrill contends that the ratification was invalid because commissioners did not take a voice vote.
The first court date for the case is scheduled for October 27. At that time, Murrill’s attorneys are expected to argue against dismissing the case, countering arguments made by Caddo Parish Attorney Donna Frazier, who claims that the “ratification” vote “cured” the alleged violation and that courts lack jurisdiction in the matter.
The recusal of the Caddo district judges is attributed to the fact that the Commission funds the court. According to the order of recusal, the judges are removing themselves from all current and pending matters involving the defendants to avoid any appearance of impropriety and impartiality. Louisiana law mandates that the state supreme court appoint an ad hoc judge from another district to hear the case.
