News Summary
Helena Moreno has made history by becoming New Orleans’ first Hispanic mayor, winning outright in the municipal primary with 55% of the vote. She will succeed LaToya Cantrell, focusing on public safety and infrastructure improvements. Moreno, known for her progressive stance during her City Council tenure, received significant support across communities. Her election symbolizes a new era in New Orleans politics, with plans in place for the city’s budget and governance transition.
New Orleans has elected Helena Moreno as its first Hispanic mayor, achieving an outright victory in the municipal primary held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Moreno received 55% of the vote, comfortably surpassing the 50% threshold necessary to avoid a runoff election. State Senator Royce Duplessis finished second with 22% of the vote, while City Councilmember Oliver Thomas received 18%.
Moreno’s victory marks a significant moment in the city’s history, as she becomes the second woman to serve as New Orleans’ mayor. She is set to succeed incumbent Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who is leaving office due to term limits. The preliminary results showed that Moreno had already secured 55% of the vote tally just over an hour after polls closed. By 9:08 p.m. on election night, the race was officially called in her favor.
Celebrating her victory at the Civic Theatre, Moreno expressed her commitment to tackling infrastructure issues and improving public safety. She emphasized her intention to guide the city in a new direction. During her campaign, she raised over $3 million and garnered endorsements from notable political figures, including former governors, mayors, and U.S. representatives. Polls had forecasted her support to be between 47% and 51% in the days leading up to election night.
Moreno’s political background includes an eight-year tenure on the City Council, where she was recognized as a leading progressive figure. Born in Xalapa, Mexico, and raised in Houston, Texas, she studied journalism at Southern Methodist University and began her career as a reporter for WDSU-TV in New Orleans. Her political ambition began with an unsuccessful congressional run in 2008, followed by her election to the Louisiana House in 2010. On the City Council, Moreno advocated for legislation reforming how the criminal justice system addresses domestic violence.
Support from influential Black political leaders and community figures played a crucial role in her campaign, reflecting her cross-community appeal. Despite facing attacks from opponents focusing on her City Council record, Moreno’s support remained strong throughout the election.
Moreno’s win is expected to impact the dynamics between the legislative and executive branches of New Orleans’ city government. Additionally, new members of the City Council are set to be inaugurated on January 12, 2026. Moreno has indicated plans to utilize the month until she takes office to work on the city budget and establish transition plans.
In summary, Helena Moreno’s election as New Orleans’ first Hispanic mayor is a historic milestone that promises to change the city’s leadership landscape, reflecting a growing diversity within its political representation. Her commitment to public safety and infrastructure is central to her vision for the city as she prepares to assume her new role.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Helena Moreno Elected as New Mayor of New Orleans
New Orleans Police Consent Decree Set to End Amid Violence
New Orleans Faces Economic Strain Post Super Bowl 59
Governor Landry Requests National Guard Deployment in Louisiana
DMR Technologies to Open First U.S. Drone Manufacturing Facility in Lafayette
Westwego Secures $2 Million for Butler Elementary Transformation
DMR Technologies to Launch Drone Manufacturing in Lafayette
New Orleans Faces Financial Challenges After Moody’s Downgrade
New York City to Dismantle Controversial Floating Jail
Alice Coig McDonald, Advocate for Education and Women’s Leadership, Passes Away
Additional Resources
- WWLTV
- Wikipedia: Helena Moreno
- Fox 8 Live
- Google Search: Helena Moreno New Orleans mayor
- WDSU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 2025 New Orleans mayoral election
- NOLA.com
- Google News: Helena Moreno New Orleans mayor election
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.
