After leading the new city through its transitional period for the past eight months, St. George interim Mayor Dustin Yates intends to keep the job.
On Tuesday, Yates announced his mayoral candidacy for the March 29 election.
Yates, a registered Republican, was appointed mayor by Gov. Jeff Landry in May 2024 after spending nearly two decades with the St. George Fire Department — most recently as chief administrative officer.
"I’m running for mayor because I believe in a brighter future for our city and parish — a future where families thrive, businesses grow, and neighbors work together," Yates said in a news release Tuesday. "St. George is a community that has already shown what we can accomplish when we come together and I want to build on that momentum."
St. George Mayor Dustin Yates speaks during the St. George City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
As interim mayor, Yates has guided the newly incorporated city through a number of developments as St. George has taken shape, including negotiations with former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome over the transfer of sales tax revenues and services.
"This is not just about leading St. George — it's about working with you to build the future we all deserve," Yates said.
Yates was party to the city's originating efforts in 2013, aiding in the petition drive that precluded a vote to incorporate years later.
He is a native of New Orleans and graduate of Jesuit High School and the University of New Orleans.Â
The candidate said he has resigned from classified service at the St. George Fire Department and will continue employment as an unclassified employee for the near future.
