GRETNA mdash; Judge Steven Tureau has been disqualified from running for the Division D judgeship in the 23rd Judicial District and his name will be removed from the ballot.A panel from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal ruled on Monday after finding that Tureau did not meet the requirements for can didacy related to filing federal and state tax returns or valid extensions for the previous five years.Robert J. Snyder, Jr. and Ruth W. Snyder initially filed their petition challenging Tureaursquo;s candidacy in the 23rd Judicial District Court, objecting to Tureaursquo;s candidacy, on Aug. 14. Tureau has served on the 23rd Judicial District Court bench covering Ascension, Assumption and St. James parishes since 2020.Robert Snyder is running against Tureau for the seat.The appellate court reviewed evidence showing Tureau filed his 2021 tax return and requested extensions for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, but did not file returns for those years before the extensions expired.The majority of the appellate court said that once the extension period ends without a return being filed, the extension becomes void and cannot be used to meet the candidacy requirement.The ruling means Tureau cannot remain on the ballot for the upcoming election.Some judges on the panel disagreed, saying the law is ambiguous and that Tureaursquo;s actions were enough to qualify him for the ballot, but the majority decision stands.The court also denied Tureaursquo;s request to recover legal fees and costs from the plaintiffs who challenged his candidacy.Permalink| Comments ...read more read less