News Summary

Michelle Woodfork has made history by defeating incumbent Sheriff Susan Hutson in the recent Orleans Parish sheriff election. As former Interim Chief of the New Orleans Police Department, Woodfork focused on restoring public confidence, increasing transparency, and reforming jail operations. This election reflects the community’s desire for change in law enforcement practices. Woodfork has committed to enhancing recruitment and investing in technology for the sheriff’s office, while her predecessor expressed hopes that public safety initiatives remain a priority.

New Orleans

Michelle Woodfork has made history by defeating incumbent Sheriff Susan Hutson in the recent race for Orleans Parish sheriff. The election concluded with Woodfork, the former Interim Chief of the New Orleans Police Department, emerging victorious against Hutson and Constable Edwin Shorty. The announcement of Woodfork’s victory was initially made by a local news outlet.

The sheriff’s race drew significant attention in light of a disturbing incident on May 16, when ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center. During the campaign, candidates engaged in heated debates over the notification process regarding the jailbreak and the response by law enforcement. Sheriff Hutson defended her office’s actions by asserting that relevant agencies were notified promptly once the escape was discovered.

Woodfork’s campaign placed an emphasis on restoring public confidence in the sheriff’s office, increasing transparency, and reforming jail operations. Upon her election, she expressed her commitment to enhancing recruitment efforts and ensuring better investment in both deputies and technological advancements within the jail system. Woodfork highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for both inmates and deputies, stating that her goal includes assisting inmates in becoming better individuals rather than “better criminals.”

Woodfork plans to elaborate on her specific aims and strategies over the course of the next six months during the transition to her new role. She celebrated her victory at a watch party, extending gratitude to Sheriff Hutson for her years of service and dedication during the campaign. Hutson, in her concession, graciously acknowledged Woodfork’s win while expressing hope that the public safety initiatives she promoted throughout her campaign would continue to be a priority for the city.

In her remarks, Hutson emphasized that addressing the root causes of crime is vital for the overall safety of New Orleans. As Woodfork prepares to take office next June, her vision for the Orleans Parish sheriff’s office revolves around reformative practices aimed at improving both inmate rehabilitation and the efficacy of law enforcement in the region.

This election marks a significant shift in leadership for the Orleans Parish sheriff’s office, underscoring the community’s desire for change and heightened accountability within law enforcement. With Woodfork at the helm, residents are hopeful for renewed efforts to address the challenges facing public safety and the justice system in New Orleans.

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Additional Resources

• WWL-TV: Woodfork Elected New Orleans Parish Sheriff
• Wikipedia: Michelle Woodfork
• FOX 8: 2025 Election Results
• Google Search: New Orleans Sheriff Election Results
• NOLA: New Orleans Election Night Updates
• Google Scholar: Orleans Parish Sheriff election
• WGNO: Woodfork Wins Orleans Parish Sheriff Race
• Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans Public Safety
• WGNO: Shorty Concedes Orleans Parish Sheriff Election
• Google News: Michelle Woodfork

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.