Colonel Robert Hodges Announces Candidacy for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff

ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. – Retired Louisiana State Police Colonel Robert Hodges today announced online his candidacy for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff, pledging to restore trust, accountability, and strong leadership to one of Louisiana’s most respected law enforcement agencies.

A 31-year law enforcement veteran and former Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, Hodges dedicated his career to protecting Louisiana families, strengthening public safety, and leading one of the state’s largest public safety organizations.

As Superintendent, Hodges oversaw more than 2,800 employees, 1,000 commissioned troopers, and a $655 million budget while delivering results in crime reduction, public safety, and agency reform.

During his tenure, Hodges launched Troop NOLA, a proactive crime-fighting initiative that helped drive down violent crime in New Orleans through targeted enforcement, stronger partnerships, and the removal of hundreds of violent offenders from Louisiana’s streets. He also led the Louisiana State Police through one of the agency’s most challenging periods, restoring public trust in a department under federal scrutiny by strengthening accountability, implementing reforms, and reinforcing the professionalism of Louisiana’s troopers. In one of the state’s darkest moments, Hodges directed the Louisiana State Police’s response following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street and the 10 violent fugitive escapees in New Orleans, coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to protect the public and lead Louisiana through the crisis.

Having called St. Tammany Parish home for nearly a quarter-century, Hodges said he is running to ensure the Sheriff’s Office reflects the integrity and professionalism its deputies and residents deserve. A veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard and former Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Services, Hodges has served on the executive boards of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program and as State & Provincial Southern Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Every day, more than 700 St. Tammany Parish Deputies put on a badge and go to work to serve and protect this community. They deserve to wear that badge free from the tarnish of politicians who embarrassed our proud community. Northshore families deserve leaders they can trust—leaders who serve with integrity, accountability, and honor. After 36 years of serving Louisiana, there is no greater mission for me than restoring that trust and ensuring our Sheriff’s Office is one we can all be proud of.” — Colonel Robert Hodges

Hodges said his campaign will focus on preserving St. Tammany’s reputation as one of the safest and best places to live in Louisiana by strengthening partnerships with neighboring agencies, supporting deputies, improving transparency, and maintaining the highest standards of public service.

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About Colonel Robert Hodges

Colonel Robert Hodges dedicated more than 36 years to serving Louisiana through military and law enforcement service, culminating as Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police. A veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard and graduate of Louisiana State University, Hodges and his wife have called St. Tammany Parish home for nearly three decades, where they raised their two daughters. He is also a member of numerous state and national law enforcement organizations.