BATON ROUGE, La (BRPROUD) — Former state representative and mayoral candidate Steve Carter died of COVID-19 complications Tuesday, a family spokesperson confirmed.

Carter who challenged Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome in a runoff last month, had spent his final weeks hospitalized with the virus.

Carter, 77, previously spent 12 years representing parts of Baton Rouge in the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Governor John Bel Edwards has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on the day of Carter’s funeral.

Mayor-President Broome released a statement on the passing of Steve Carter:

Former Representative Steve Carter was a dedicated family man, public servant, and fellow neighbor here in East Baton Rouge Parish. Mr. Carter had a storied career of serving our community, first as a coach and Assistant Athletic Director at LSU, and then as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. During his time as the chair of the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, he displayed tremendous leadership by championing vital investments in infrastructure and education. Steve was an honorable man, whose passion and thoughtfulness elevated the discourse during our recent contest for Mayor-President. You never saw him without a smile on his face and a hand extended to greet you. Steve was a Baton Rougean through and through. His mentorship of hundreds of children left an indelible mark on generations in our community. He and I shared a goal of seeing Baton Rouge be the best city and community it could be. I am tremendously sad to have lost yet another friend and neighbor to COVID-19. My deepest condolences to his wife Gloria, children Amelia and Solomon, and four granddaughters; Yvie, Carter, Julia, and Addie.

Statement from Our Lady of the Lake:

“The entire Our Lady of the Lake family mourns the loss of former state representative Steve Carter, our longtime friend and community servant. Rep. Carter cared deeply about all he served and the health of future generations. He was instrumental as head of the Capital Region Legislative Delegation representing the needs of our region to the state. His steady leadership is a model for us all. We are praying for his wife and family and all who knew his friendship.” – Scott Wester, President and CEO, Our Lady of the Lake

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