News Summary
New Orleans voters have made history by electing Helena Moreno as the first major female candidate for mayor, with a significant 55% of the vote. This election not only saw Moreno’s landmark victory but also a notable increase in voter turnout, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for change. Alongside her, Michelle Woodfork won the sheriff’s race, marking a shift in local governance. Moreno’s campaign focused on addressing municipal issues, supported by prominent political figures, and her administration is set to prioritize public safety and support for local businesses.
New Orleans voters made history on Saturday, October 11, 2025, by electing Helena Moreno as the new mayor, marking her as the first major female candidate to win the position and only the second woman to hold the office in the city’s history. Moreno secured approximately 55% of the vote, totaling 50,788 ballots cast across 282 precincts, easily outpacing her opponents in a competitive race.
State Senator Royce Duplessis finished in second place with around 22% of the vote, which translates to approximately 20,000 votes. City Councilmember Oliver Thomas came in third, capturing about 18% for a total of more than 16,000 votes. The election witnessed an impressive overall voter turnout, exceeding 91,000, significantly surpassing previous mayoral elections.
Election Dynamics
Moreno’s campaign was characterized by a strong focus on advancing the city and addressing long-standing municipal issues. She emphasized a vision for New Orleans that set it on a path of improvement and stability. Moreno received backing from prominent political figures, including Cedric Richmond and Jason Williams, which helped solidify her support base.
In conjunction with the mayoral election, Michelle Woodfork emerged victorious in the Orleans Parish sheriff’s race, defeating incumbent Sheriff Susan Hutson. Additionally, Randy Fandal won the mayoral position in Slidell with a commanding 72% of the vote against challenger Bill Borchert. The election also saw a notable increase in early voting, with more than 39,000 early ballots cast, a figure that more than doubles early voting from the last open mayoral election in 2017. Experts had anticipated that overall turnout might exceed 40%.
Future Governance
Now that the results are in, Moreno is set to take office alongside a new City Council, with projections indicating that Matthew Willard and JP Morrell will occupy the at-large Council seats. Moreno’s administration will focus on enhancing city services during the initial 100 days in office. She has expressed a commitment to improving public safety and providing support to small and minority-owned businesses in New Orleans.
Moreno celebrated her victory at the Civic Theater, surrounded by supporters who share her vision of tackling the city’s infrastructure challenges. Throughout her campaign, she demonstrated significant leadership traits as she consistently led in both polls and fundraising efforts, outpacing a total of nine additional candidates vying for the mayor’s position.
Historical Significance
This election is remarkable not only for the high voter turnout but also for its implications for the future of New Orleans governance. Helena Moreno’s election reflects a shift towards more inclusive leadership, and her policies will likely shape the city’s trajectory as she collaborates with new council members starting in January 2026.
As New Orleanians witness this change in leadership, it remains to be seen how Moreno will address the pressing needs of the community and what strategies she will implement to foster growth and stability in the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Helena Moreno Elected as New Orleans’ Second Female Mayor
Michelle Woodfork Wins Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Race
Helena Moreno Elected as New Orleans’ First Hispanic Mayor
Helena Moreno Elected as New Mayor of New Orleans
Best of New Orleans Issue Celebrated Amid Rising Concerns
New Orleans East Residents Call for Economic Revitalization
New Orleans Housing Market Faces Persistent Challenges
Congressman Troy Carter Endorses Helena Moreno for Mayor
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of New Orleans Mayoral Election
New Orleans Celebrates Labor Day Amid Job Growth Challenges
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Helena Moreno Elected Mayor of New Orleans
- Fox 8 Live: 2025 Election Results
- NOLA: New Orleans Election Day Results
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Mayoral Election, 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
