(The Center Square) - With voters heading to the polls Tuesday, state Sen. Alan Seabaugh and Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart have increased campaign spending, with Seabaugh spending heavily on advertising in the weeks leading up to the election.
Together, the candidates have spent more than $412,000 this election, with Stewart accounting for about $223,000 and Seabaugh spending approximately $189,000, according to campaign finance reports filed Oct. 26.
Stewart raised about $69,000 during the latest reporting period, compared with Seabaugh's $40,000. Despite that, Seabaugh has raised more money overall this year, bringing in about $201,000 compared with Stewart's $164,000.
Seabaugh spent nearly $60,000 on streaming ads, nearly $25,000 on television ads on KTBS and KSLA, and about $20,000 on radio ads. His campaign also paid $10,000 to produce television commercials.
Stewart spent about $35,000 on campaign mailers through the Louisiana Democratic Party, $8,000 on online ads and nearly $8,700 on television ads on KTBS and KTAL. His campaign also paid for yard signs, workers going door to door and campaign staff.
Heading into the final weeks before Tuesday's election, Seabaugh held a nearly $237,000 cash advantage over Stewart.
Seabaugh also paid himself back $35,000 for money he previously loaned his campaign. Including that payment, his campaign paid out nearly $167,000 during the latest reporting period.
Two other candidates are seeking the district attorney's office. Libertarian Lauren Ray Anderson reported $122 in campaign expenditures, while Patricia "Pat" Gilley, who has no party affiliation, reported no expenditures during the latest reporting period.
Voters will decide Tuesday who will serve as Caddo Parish district attorney.
If no candidate wins more than half the votes, the top two candidates will face each other in the Dec. 12 runoff election.