Michelle Woodfork Announces Candidacy for Orleans Parish Sheriff

News Summary

Michelle Woodfork, former Interim Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, has declared her intention to run for Orleans Parish Sheriff. Known for her efforts in community safety and crime reduction during her tenure, Woodfork is expected to bring significant competition to the upcoming elections, alongside current Sheriff Susan Hutson and other candidates. With the election set for October 11, the race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for law enforcement in New Orleans.

Michelle Woodfork Takes a Leap into the Orleans Parish Sheriff Race

The vibrant city of New Orleans is buzzing with excitement as Michelle Woodfork, the former Interim Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), has announced her intention to run for Orleans Parish Sheriff. After serving as the interim chief from December 2022 until October 2023, Woodfork’s involvement in the community and her commitment to reducing violent crime during her tenure have made her a familiar face among locals.

This past Friday, she confirmed that she will officially declare her candidacy for the sheriff’s position next week, adding an intriguing twist to the upcoming elections. Notably, Woodfork made history as the first woman to lead the NOPD, marking a significant milestone in the city’s law enforcement history.

A Proven Track Record in Law Enforcement

Woodfork’s journey with the NOPD spans an impressive 31 years, starting her career as a patrol officer back in 1991. Her extensive background in law enforcement brings her a wealth of experience that her supporters believe is crucial for the role of sheriff. Having focused on proactive policing strategies to reduce violent crime rates, her leadership has been recognized and praised by various community leaders, including City Council member Oliver Thomas.

Upon her retirement from the NOPD in October 2023, Woodfork took up the position of Director of Forensic Intelligence at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, further solidifying her commitment to public safety and community well-being.

The Competition Heats Up

As the 2024 election season draws closer, Woodfork’s candidacy introduces significant competition into the race for Orleans Parish Sheriff. Already in the running is Edwin Shorty Jr, the Second City Court Constable, who has also confirmed his intentions to throw his hat in the ring, though he has yet to announce a formal date for his campaign kick-off.

On top of these new entries, current Sheriff Susan Hutson is also planning to run for re-election. Hutson, who made headlines as the first Black woman to serve as sheriff in Louisiana and notably the first woman in the role in New Orleans, was elected in 2021 and officially sworn in on May 2, 2022. Her campaign’s focus has been on transformative justice, emphasizing community engagement and collaborative efforts to enhance public safety.

Mark Your Calendars!

Excitement is building as the election for Orleans Parish Sheriff is set for October 11. With strong candidates like Woodfork and Hutson in the mix, the race is shaping up to be a notable event that could mark a transformative moment for law enforcement in New Orleans. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and proposals to the table, promising an engaging and dynamic campaign season.

As the candidates gear up to share their visions for the future, voters are encouraged to stay informed about the issues and the plans each candidate has for enhancing public safety and justice in the community. With so much at stake, this upcoming sheriff’s race is definitely one to watch!

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Additional Resources

• WWL TV
• WGNO
• NOLA
• Axios
• Wikipedia: Michelle Woodfork