Doctors advise Mayor Arceneaux to take it easy amid bacterial pneumonia diagnosis

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s office announced that he is being treated for bacterial pneumonia after a coughing spell compelled him to step away from Tuesday’s Shreveport City Council meeting.

“I had hoped to continue working through my illness in order to attend Tuesday’s City Council meeting,” said Mayor Arceneaux. “However, after developing a fever, my physicians recommended a short hospital stay for observation and recovery.”

The mayor said he is responding well to treatments, and doctors are encouraged by his progress, but advised that he fully recover before resuming his regular schedule.

The mayor’s health issues became public when coughing was heard at various points during the City Council Meeting, prompting questions about his health.

Shreveport Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor provided the following statement via the mayor’s office: “On behalf of the City Council, we continue to keep Mayor Arceneaux in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers,” said Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor. “The Council remains committed to working closely with the Mayor and his administration to serve the residents of Shreveport effectively and keep our city moving forward.” 

Mayor Arceneaux said he is “deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the people of Shreveport. Your encouragement means more to me than I can express, and it’s been a great source of strength as I recover.”

Caddo Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts also provided a statement on behalf of herself and the constituents of District 7, “I want to extend heartfelt prayers and warm wishes during this time. We were saddened to hear of your recent health challenges, and we are lifting you up in prayer for a full and speedy recovery. Please know that you are in our thoughts, and we stand with you in support and encouragement. May you find rest, healing, and renewed strength in the days ahead.”

What happened during the Shreveport City Council Meeting?

Initially, the mayor could be seen sitting and participating in the meeting with the council members, but he was no longer seen in his seat approximately an hour and a half into the two-hour session.

Shreveport Fire Department officials confirm units were dispatched to the government plaza around 4:20 p.m., but were unable to confirm who, if anyone, was transported.

Mayor’s Office Director of Communications Leigh Anne Evensky issued a statement, confirming the Mayor had been admitted to the hospital for treatment but assures citizens all is well.

“Mayor Arceneaux has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and is receiving treatment as a precaution. He’s in good spirits, very alert, resting comfortably, and will be out soon!”

In regard to rumors that the Mayor may have fainted, she adds, “There was no falling out or collapse. The big to do outside government plaza was everyone going 100% for the mayor. He is sick, but he is ok.”

The news comes just weeks after the Mayor announced his 2026 re-election bid.

We will continue to update as more information becomes available regarding his condition.