District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington today announced his campaign for re-election as District Attorney of Natchitoches Parish in the November 3 election, citing his continued commitment to protecting victims, pursuing justice fairly, and strengthening public safety across the parish.
First elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2020, Harrington brings more than three decades of service to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office and nearly a decade of leadership as the parish’s elected District Attorney.
“Serving the people of Natchitoches Parish as District Attorney has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Harrington. “Every day, our office works to protect victims, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that justice is pursued fairly, diligently, and responsibly. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am committed to continuing that work for our community.”
Since becoming District Attorney, Harrington and his team have secured convictions and substantial prison sentences in serious criminal cases involving homicides, crimes against children, domestic violence, narcotics trafficking, and other violent felony offenses. Under his leadership, the office has remained firmly focused on accountability, fairness, and the professional administration of justice.
A key priority of Harrington’s tenure has been addressing opioid and narcotics misuse through strong prosecution and intervention when appropriate. Working with the Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court, and other rehabilitative programs, his office has supported accountability and treatment options for eligible offenders.
As District Attorney, Harrington has placed strong emphasis on community outreach and prevention. His public awareness efforts have focused on impaired driving, distracted driving, domestic violence, and partnerships with the Natchitoches Parish School Board to reduce truancy.
At the state level, District Attorney Harrington has served as a recognized leader in criminal justice policy and victims’ rights advocacy. In August 2023, he was elected by his fellow district attorneys to serve as president of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association and has remained active in legislative efforts involving victims’ rights, juvenile justice reform, and public safety.
In 2023, as president of the LDAA, Harrington led the effort to oppose the unprecedented attempt under the previous administration to grant clemency hearings to death row inmates in capital murder cases. He stood with the families of victims in death row murder cases from across Louisiana, including Natchitoches Parish, to ensure that the law was fairly upheld and that those hearings did not move forward.
“Our mission has always been clear: stand with victims, protect our citizens, and pursue justice under the law,” Harrington said. “That mission remains as important today as ever, and I respectfully ask the citizens of Natchitoches Parish for their continued faith and trust in my service to this community.”
