News Summary
Helena Moreno has made history by becoming the second woman ever elected as mayor of New Orleans, winning 55% of the vote. Moreno’s campaign focused on critical issues such as public safety, infrastructure, and support for minority-owned businesses. With over $3.4 million raised for her campaign and endorsements from a wide range of leaders, she is set to transition from the City Council to office in January. The election also saw other significant results, while Moreno aims to address the city’s challenges with her new administration.
New Orleans has elected Helena Moreno as its new mayor, making her the second woman in the city’s history to hold this position. Moreno won the race with 55% of the vote, totaling 57,797 votes, defeating her closest opponents, State Senator Royce Duplessis, who garnered 22.4% (23,474 votes), and City Councilmember Oliver Thomas, who received 18.7% (19,619 votes). The election results were confirmed around 10 p.m. on election night.
As mayor, Moreno has pledged to tackle significant issues facing the city, including improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and providing greater support to small and minority-owned businesses. Her election marks a notable shift in leadership as she prepares to take office in January.
Transitioning from a City Council role, which she held since 2017, Moreno previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives starting in 2010. Her decision to run for mayor came after she was term-limited on the City Council. She announced her campaign in December 2024 and quickly took the lead in both polling and fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $3.4 million.
The support for Moreno during her campaign was widespread, receiving endorsements from a diverse array of leaders, including politicians from both parties, influential Black pastors, and former Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Her victory was also acknowledged by Governor Jeff Landry, who expressed eagerness to collaborate for the betterment of New Orleans in the future.
Moreno, born in Xalapa, Mexico, moved to Texas at the age of eight before relocating to New Orleans in 2001 to work as a television reporter. Her political journey began when she was first elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2010. After successfully securing re-election to the City Council in 2021, her term-limited status contributed to her decision to pursue the mayoral office.
The former mayor, LaToya Cantrell, was unable to seek re-election due to term limits and faced federal corruption charges during her tenure. In addition to Moreno’s win, other key outcomes from the election included Michelle Woodfork winning the sheriff’s office with 52.9% of the votes and incumbent Erroll Williams being re-elected with 61.3%. There will be a runoff election scheduled for November 15 involving Calvin Duncan and incumbent Darren Lombard, as well as for the District A race between Holly Friedman and Aimee McCarron, due to no candidate receiving a majority of the votes.
As New Orleans looks toward a new chapter under Moreno’s leadership, key initiatives targeting the city’s challenges are expected to be a primary focus of her administration. Her history of public service and extensive campaigning has positioned her well as she steps into this significant role for the city’s future.
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Additional Resources
- WWL TV
- Fox 8 Live
- WDSU
- NOLA.com
- Associated Press
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Google Search: Helena Moreno New Orleans mayor
- Google Scholar: Helena Moreno mayoral election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- Google News: New Orleans mayor election results
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.
