06/28/2026
For more than 55 years, the people of Vermilion Parish and the City of Abbeville have given me the privilege of serving our community. That trust has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I will always be grateful.
Today, the people of Abbeville have spoken, and I fully respect their decision.
During my years of public service, first as Chief Deputy Clerk of Court for Vermilion Parish, then as a member of the Abbeville City Council, and later as Councilman at Large, I have never believed that public office belongs to anyone. It is a privilege that is entrusted to us by the people. Every election is decided by the voters, and I have always respected their voice. This election is no different.
As a veteran, I was proud to serve our country and help protect the freedoms that make America what it is. We fought to protect the right of every citizen to vote, the right of every qualified person to seek public office, and the freedom of speech. Those freedoms are the foundation of our democracy, and I respect the choice the people have made.
The voters have chosen a new direction, and I wish our new leadership nothing but success as they serve our city.
I want to sincerely congratulate Bang Bui on his election. I called Bang to congratulate him personally, wish him well, and let him know that if there is ever anything I can do to help during the transition or afterward, I would be glad to do so. We all want what is best for Abbeville, and I hope he is successful.
To everyone who supported me during this campaign, and to the many people who have supported me throughout the past 55 years, thank you. Your friendship, encouragement, prayers, and confidence have meant more to me than I could ever express. Serving you has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life.
I also want to thank my wife, Belinda, and our children. Public service is never the work of one person. It requires the love, patience, understanding, and sacrifice of an entire family. They have stood by me through the victories and the disappointments, always encouraging me to follow my goals and dreams of serving others. I could never have done this without their unwavering love and support, and I will be forever grateful to them.
Although my time in elected office has come to an end, my commitment to this community has not. I will continue to support the City of Abbeville and its people in any way I can.
Titles may come and go, but the privilege of serving others never ends. While my elected service has concluded, my love for Abbeville and its people never will.
May God bless each of you, and may God continue to bless the City of Abbeville.
With sincere gratitude,
Carlton Campbell
