News Summary
Activist Byron Cole confronted mayoral candidate Royce Duplessis at a church service, accusing him of infidelity and dishonesty. The incident has ignited a heated political atmosphere ahead of the upcoming mayoral primary. Local council members and Duplessis’s family criticized Cole’s actions, while polls show Duplessis trailing behind other candidates. The recent twists in the campaign, including a former candidate’s endorsement of Duplessis, add further complexity to the election landscape as candidates focus on important issues facing New Orleans.
New Orleans – Tensions escalated in New Orleans’ political landscape as activist Byron Cole confronted mayoral candidate Royce Duplessis during a church service over Labor Day weekend. The incident, which unfolded at the Historic Second Baptist Church on Freret Street, marks the beginning of a heated campaign season leading up to the mayoral primary on October 11, 2025.
Duplessis, a Louisiana State Senator who submitted his qualifying paperwork for the mayoral race on July 10, was publicly accosted by Cole, an Instagram personality and neighborhood activist, who livestreamed the confrontation for 36 minutes. During this time, Cole accused Duplessis of being an “adulterer” and a “liar,” escalating the tension as Duplessis sought to maintain his composure amidst the unyielding critique.
The church congregation witnessed the uncomfortable back-and-forth, with Duplessis visibly agitated and responding to Cole’s accusations by urging him to stop criticizing his marriage. Following the confrontation, Duplessis characterized Cole’s actions as petty and unbecoming, referring to him as a “clown.”
Local Council Vice President Helena Moreno, who is currently leading the mayoral race in the polls, publicly criticized Cole’s behavior, labeling it as disrespectful and disruptive to the worship service. This incident has drawn attention not only to the members of the congregation but also to the rising tensions among candidates vying for the mayor’s office.
Krystle Duplessis, Royce’s wife, expressed her disappointment that the moment of worship was overshadowed by the confrontation, illustrating the personal impact of the attack on their family. Meanwhile, Cole’s history adds an element of controversy, as he previously ran for mayor and has been involved in legal issues, including an arrest for disrupting a City Council meeting.
In the midst of this turmoil, Duplessis attempted to refocus the congregation on the important issues facing New Orleans, sharing his vision for improving the city. He spoke about his opposition to City Council members Moreno and Oliver Thomas, highlighting a critical point in the mayoral race.
As the primary election date approaches, Moreno is significantly ahead in the polls, currently registering at 47%. In contrast, Duplessis is at 14%, trailing Oliver Thomas who stands at 16%. However, the race’s dynamics may shift with recent developments, notably Arthur Hunter, a former candidate, announcing his withdrawal from the election and endorsing Duplessis. This endorsement could potentially bolster Duplessis’s support as the election draws near.
In terms of campaign financing, the reports show a stark contrast; Moreno has raised over $2 million, while Duplessis’s campaign has garnered over $250,000. This financial gap raises questions about the resources available to each candidate as they prepare for the upcoming primary and a possible runoff in November.
The events of the weekend highlight the charged atmosphere surrounding the New Orleans mayoral race, with both personal attacks and political strategies taking center stage. As candidates navigate the complexities of the campaign, the public is left to watch how these incidents influence voter sentiment in the crucial weeks ahead.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Byron Cole confronts Royce Duplessis
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- WWLTV: Arthur Hunter drops out
- Google Search: New Orleans Mayoral Race 2025
- WDSU: Royce Duplessis joins mayoral race
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- NOLA: Controversial content creators spark mayor’s race drama
- Google News: New Orleans Mayoral Controversy
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.
