Grambling alum Sandra “Candy” Christophe is getting a second chance to become the first African American woman to represent Louisiana in Congress.
She is running for the state’s 5th Congressional District.
Christophe was the only female candidate in the Nov. 3 general election for the same seat. She missed the runoff by only 423 votes.
The winner of that runoff, Luke Letlow unexpectedly passed away in December.
Christophe has decided to re-run for that same seat. The election will be March 20.
Christophe’s political platform focuses on health care, developing jobs on all skill levels, education and affordable broadband services in the homes of students.
“Health care, life – is the most important thing. It is the most important gift we have from God,” Christophe said. “Without it we cease. We are losing so many people due to Covid, and before then we knew we had a disparity in healthcare. Now that Covid is attacking those who have preexisting health conditions; we are losing people at a disproportionate rate, because of the lack of treatment previously. So, healthcare is something I feel should be afforded to all, irregardless of payability.”
Affordable healthcare in America is Christophe’s primary objective. She suffered a major stroke while a graduate student at Grambling and was temporarily impaired on her right extremities. As a result she has an underlying health condition.
Christophe said although she can afford the cost of healthcare for herself she knows many Americans just can’t afford it.
Christophe also feels it is important to develop jobs on all skill levels, putting an emphasis on “all.”
“We have so many people whose desire is to work, but aren’t able to work. The Bible says, ‘If a man [doesn't] work, he shall not eat.’ And yes, we have people that need to eat and don’t have employment opportunities. Not because they don’t have the desire or the ability, but because it’s not there,” Christophe said.
Christophe also intends to focus on education, specifically seeking a way for students to gain affordable access to the internet in the comfort of their homes.
“Because we have covid, we have a lot of people in our district who do not have the internet,” Christophe said. “I have constituents that are literally taking their children to McDonalds in the car to do homework. In the year 2021, that is totally unacceptable.”
Christophe believes running for Congress is a true assignment, assigned to her by God.
She said missing the seat at the runoff last November was like a test run for her. She is ready to run again, and feels it is all a part of God’s plan.
Christophe says even if she doesn't win that seat at the Congressional table on March 20, she is still a winner.
“I’ve done what I felt I was led to do. I’ve done it with the spirit of excellence, and I am going to continue to serve the people and I am going to continue to serve my God. Either way, I win! Either way, God is glorified!” Christophe said.
Christophe encourages students who will not be able to go home to vote, to request an absentee or Covid ballot as soon as possible and exercise their right to vote in March.
Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District is comprised of Avoyelles, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Tensas, Washington, West Carroll, West Feliciana and Winn parishes.
Parts of East Feliciana, St. Helena, St. Landry and Tangipahoa are also in the district.