News Summary
The recent New Orleans city council elections led to significant shifts, with JP Morrell and Matthew Willard becoming the first two Black politicians to serve at-large positions simultaneously. Their re-elections and the election of incumbents Freddie King III and Eugene Green reshape the council’s composition as it faces infrastructure and fiscal challenges. Runoff contests are set for Districts A and E, as the new leaders aim to tackle pressing issues and ensure better governance in the wake of the previous administration’s controversies.
New Orleans held its city council elections on Saturday, October 11, 2025, resulting in significant changes to the council’s composition. JP Morrell and Matthew Willard were elected to at-large council seats, with Morrell securing re-election with 66% of the votes and Willard winning with 59%. Their victories mark a historic moment, as they will be the first two Black politicians to serve at-large positions simultaneously in the city’s history.
The election outcomes have reshaped the New Orleans City Council, which will now include three incumbents and one new at-large member over the next four years. Incumbent District C Councilmember Freddie King III won re-election with 64% of the votes, while District D Councilmember Eugene Green secured 67% of the votes in his re-election bid. Additionally, District B Councilmember Lesli Harris was re-elected automatically as she faced no challengers.
However, the elections also resulted in runoff contests for two districts. In District A, Holly Friedman and Aimee McCarron will compete in a runoff after Friedman received 39% and McCarron garnered 32% of the total votes. Similarly, District E will see Jason Hughes and Cyndi Nguyen advance to a runoff, with Nguyen receiving 46% and Hughes obtaining 36% of the votes.
Morrell and Willard have background experience that includes prior collaboration on state legislation that pertains to New Orleans. As Morrell embarks on his second term, his focus will be to impose limitations on executive power, particularly as he will be working alongside newly elected Mayor Helena Moreno, who previously held an at-large council seat. In light of the ongoing issues with the outgoing Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who is leaving office facing federal indictment for using city resources for personal matters, Morrell’s intention to seek a charter amendment for stricter requirements on the transfer of departmental funds is particularly relevant.
Willard has stated that addressing infrastructure concerns will be a priority, especially considering the city’s current financial climate. The proposed budget under Mayor Cantrell includes substantial cuts of $200 million along with $70 million in new taxes and fees, posing a challenge for the new council members regarding fiscal sustainability and necessary service improvements.
The newly elected officials, including Morrell and Willard, must navigate the challenges of updating the city’s infrastructure, addressing the fiscal issues, and ensuring transparency within the administration. Their goals reflect a commitment to better governance as the city moves beyond the controversies of the Cantrell administration.
The upcoming four years for the New Orleans City Council promise to be transformative, with the integration of fresh perspectives and the dedication to tackle pressing issues facing the city. The election marks both a new beginning and a continuity of leadership that advocates for accountability and better service for New Orleans residents.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: JP Morrell Expected to Win Second Term
- Google Search: New Orleans City Council Elections 2025
- WDSU: New Orleans Division 2 JP Morrell Winner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans City Council
- WWLTV: New Orleans City Council Races at-large and District Contests
- Google News: New Orleans City Council Election 2025
- Fox 8 Live: New Orleans City Council Feature
- NOLA: New Orleans City Hall Leadership Election
- Google Search: New Orleans Elections 2025
- NOLA: Two At-Large New Orleans City Council Seats
- Google Scholar: New Orleans City Council Elections
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.
