INCUMBENT: Barrow Peacock (Republican)

DESCRIPTION: Senate District 37 is located in northwest Louisiana and contains portions of two parishes: the more affluent precincts of Shreveport in Caddo Parish east of I-49, and in Bossier Parish, the close in neighborhoods of Bossier City, as well as subdivisions at the periphery of Barksdale Air Force Base along US Highway 71.

DISTRICT MAP:

District Map

RED/BLUE RATING (using 2008, 2012, and 2014 elections): 65% Republican

JMCEL’s SUMMARY: Senate District 37 is a district that is geographically evenly divided between Caddo and Bossier Parishes, and while it includes most of Shreveport’s affluent precincts, it also includes more modest neighborhoods in Bossier City, as well as some black neighborhoods along I-20 along either side of the Red River. Still, the overall tone of this district is Republican, and Republicans in contested statewide races can count on fairly consistent 2:1 support from the district. This district is also a good example of the political transition that occurred in north Louisiana (and elsewhere in the state) from electing pro-business Democrats to Republicans, and it participated in the 1995 GOP wave that swept the state and elected Republican Max Malone 59-41% in the runoff, and despite strong Democratic challenges in 1999 and 2003, he held on with 51 and 60% of the vote, respectively. Sen. Malone was term limited in 2007, and former state representative “Buddy” Shaw defeated a term limited state representative who had switched parties 57-43% in the runoff. Sen. Shaw could have served for two more terms, but decided against seeking re-election in 2011, and Republican Barrow Peacock defeated a Republican legislator from Bossier City 55-45%. Rep. Peacock is allowed to serve two more terms, and while his Republican Party label should be an asset, this seat has been contested in every election cycle from 1991 to 2011, so he could face a stiff challenge again this year, particularly since the geographic divide between Caddo and Bossier Parishes has shown up from time to time in the election results.