BATON ROUGE – The mayoral debate scheduled to be seen on Channel 2 Wednesday evening has been postponed due to a concern about a positive virus test of someone with ties to a candidate.

The debate is to feature the two candidates in the EBR mayor-president runoff. 

Former State Rep. Steve Carter's campaign revealed he was in close contact with a COVID-positive patient. Carter learned Wednesday night that he tested negative for coronavirus after being tested earlier in the day. Despite those test results, Carter's campaign said he will remain self-isolated through the weekend and will re-test in the near future.

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, who is in a runoff against Carter, released a statement quickly, distancing herself from the positive case and said "it's more important than ever for us to follow CDC guidelines - wear our masks and social distance. I would ask everyone to join me in praying for Mr. Carter and his family, and I look forward to rescheduling this debate when he is given the all clear from medical professionals."

The television station is working with the candidates to reschedule the debate in the next two weeks.

WBRZ maintains a strict COVID policy for its employees and follows CDC guidance concerning contact tracing, quarantine and virus testing. Station management, along with both campaigns, agreed the most healthful decision was to postponed the debate.

The runoff election is Saturday, December 5. Early voting begins Friday.