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In 1983, Randolph was unseated in the primary for reelection to the state senate by fellow Democrat [[Joe McPherson]], then of [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]], across the Red River from Alexandria and later from Woodworth in south Rapides Parish. McPherson, who was elected to the state senate again in 2007, was supported by both Congressman Long and Governor [[Edwin Edwards]], who was making a successful bid in that same election for a third term in the governor's office.​

In 1983, Randolph was unseated in the primary for reelection to the state senate by fellow Democrat [[Joe McPherson]], then of [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]], across the Red River from Alexandria and later from Woodworth in south Rapides Parish. McPherson, who was elected to the state senate again in 2007, was supported by both Congressman Long and Governor [[Edwin Edwards]], who was making a successful bid in that same election for a third term in the governor's office.​

 

In the primary, Randolph led with 13,501 votes (38.4 percent) to McPherson's 11,032 (31.4 percent). Former Senator Cecil Blair polled 6,096 votes (17.4 percent), and Alexandria Mayor [[John K. Snyder]] in the second year of his second mayoral term, received 4,496 (12.8 percent). In the runoff—officially the Louisiana [[general election]] - McPherson won, 16,360 votes (53.9 percent) to Randolph's 13,973 (46.1 percent). Turnout was nearly five thousand less in the runoff than in the primary, a phenomenon that may have worked against incumbent Randolph.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election returns,  With two consecutive defeats, Randolph's political career seemed on the ropes.​

In the primary, Randolph led with 13,501 votes (38.4 percent) to McPherson's 11,032 (31.4 percent). Former Senator Cecil Blair polled 6,096 votes (17.4 percent), and Alexandria Mayor [[John K. Snyder]] in the second year of his second mayoral term, received 4,496 (12.8 percent). In the runoff—officially the Louisiana [[general election]] - McPherson won, 16,360 votes (53.9 percent) to Randolph's 13,973 (46.1 percent). Turnout was nearly five thousand less in the runoff than in the primary, a phenomenon that may have worked against incumbent Randolph.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election returns,  With two consecutive defeats, Randolph's political career seemed on the ropes.​

==Mayor of his hometown, 1986-2006==

==Mayor of his hometown, 1986-2006==

In 1986, three years after his defeat for a third term in the state Senate, Randolph launched a successful political comeback. He won the first of his five consecutive terms as mayor of Alexandria. He defeated eight candidates outright in the primary with a margin of 52.5 percent of the vote. One of those contenders was former Mayor [[Carroll Lanier]], who finished with only 5 percent of the vote. In the four subsequent elections, Randolph won in the primaries and did not have to face an opponent in a general election.​

In 1986, three years after his defeat for a third term in the state Senate, Randolph launched a successful political comeback. He won the first of his five consecutive terms as mayor of Alexandria. He defeated eight candidates outright in the primary with a margin of 52.5 percent of the vote. One of those contenders was former Mayor [[Carroll Lanier]], who finished with only 5 percent of the vote. In the four subsequent elections, Randolph won in the primaries and did not have to face an opponent in a general election.​

 

On the day of his inauguration, December 1, 1986, ''The Alexandria Town Talk'' reported that the theme of the event was "We're proud again. Our pride is back." Nationally syndicated radio host [[Paul Harvey]] told the nation that Alexandria was back on a "positive" path.​

On the day of his inauguration, December 1, 1986, ''The Alexandria Town Talk'' reported that the theme of the event was "We're proud again. Our pride is back." Nationally syndicated radio host [[Paul Harvey]] told the nation that Alexandria was back on a "positive" path.​

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