Sulphur Is About to Make History. And It Doesn’t Matter Who Wins.

SULPHUR, La. — Election night usually ends with one winner and one loser. But in Sulphur’s race for city court judge, history has already picked a winner.

And she’s a woman.

A Seat That Hasn’t Changed Hands in Nearly 24 Years

When Judge Charles “Charlie” Schrumpf first took the Sulphur City Court bench in January 2003, the children born that year were just beginning their lives. Today, they’re 23 years old.

In the years since, families have come and gone, hurricanes have reshaped neighborhoods, and businesses have opened, closed, and rebuilt. An entire generation has grown into adulthood knowing only one judge on the Sulphur City Court bench.

And before Schrumpf, the seat was held by a succession of male judges.

Now, after nearly a quarter-century, Schrumpf is preparing to retire, bringing an end to one of the longest chapters in the court’s history.

His successor will make history of her own.

The only question left is which one.

Carla Sigler or Stacy Saltzman.

Two attorneys. Two different professional backgrounds. One historic election.

Carla Sigler has spent approximately 25 years practicing law, including 17 years leading the appellate section of the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office. She has argued before the United States Supreme Court, helped establish specialty court programs, and currently serves as a magistrate judge in Vinton. Her message to voters is straightforward, experience matters.

Stacy Saltzman brings approximately 24 years of legal experience, having worked in both large and small Louisiana law firms.Her campaign emphasizes something people who have stood before a judge understand, regardless of whether you win or lose your case, you want to know you were treated fairly.

Both women bring decades of legal experience, but each offers her own perspective on what the courtroom should represent.

This Isn’t Just Sulphur’s Election

Despite its name, Sulphur City Court doesn’t serve only people living inside Sulphur’s city limits. Its jurisdiction extends throughout Ward 4, including Westlake, Carlyss, and surrounding communities.

That means the woman elected November 3 will make decisions affecting families, motorists, businesses, and residents across western Calcasieu Parish.

And for the next generation of young girls growing up in West Calcasieu, she’ll represent something they’ve never seen in this particular elected office before.

A woman behind the bench.

But by the time those little girls grow into women themselves, they may not think anything remarkable about it.

And perhaps that’s the most remarkable part of all.

What one generation calls history, the next simply calls normal.

On November 3, voters will decide whether Carla Sigler or Stacy Saltzman succeeds Judge Schrumpf.