Helena Moreno has been elected as the new mayor of New Orleans, achieving a decisive victory with 55% of the vote in the election held on Saturday. The results, confirmed by the Louisiana Secretary of State, indicate that Moreno, a city councilmember, will succeed LaToya Cantrell, who is completing a turbulent second term marked by federal corruption charges. With all precincts reporting, Moreno’s win allows her to avoid a runoff, outpacing fellow candidates Oliver Thomas, another councilmember, and state Senator Royce Duplessis.
Moreno will officially take office in January. Cantrell, the first woman to hold the mayoral position in New Orleans’ 300-year history, faced significant challenges during her second term, including conflicts with City Council members and surviving a recall effort in 2022. In August, she was indicted for allegedly participating in a yearslong conspiracy to conceal a romantic relationship with her former bodyguard, charges she has pleaded not guilty to, including conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction.
Campaign Focus and Background
Moreno’s campaign was notable for raising over $3.4 million, the highest amount among all candidates. Her platform emphasized key issues such as public safety, economic development, and enhanced city services. Born in Mexico, Moreno moved to the United States at the age of eight. She began her career in New Orleans as a television reporter in the early 2000s before transitioning into politics. Moreno served as a Louisiana state representative starting in 2010 and was elected as an at-large city councilmember in 2017.
The election of Moreno occurs against a backdrop of heightened discussions regarding crime in New Orleans. Former President Donald Trump has suggested that the city could be a target for federal intervention to combat crime, a statement echoed by Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who has requested the deployment of federal troops. Moreno has publicly opposed the idea of federal troops in New Orleans, positioning herself as a local leader focused on community-driven solutions.
As Moreno prepares to take on the responsibilities of her new role, the city anticipates a potential shift in leadership style and policy direction, particularly in light of the challenges faced by her predecessor. The upcoming administration will likely focus on addressing the pressing issues of crime and governance that have emerged during Cantrell’s tenure.
