Helena Moreno has been elected as the new mayor of New Orleans, succeeding LaToya Cantrell. This election comes amidst serious federal corruption allegations against the former mayor, who is wrapping up a tumultuous second term.
Election Details
The city councilmember secured a decisive victory on Saturday, receiving 55% of the votes, according to preliminary results from the Louisiana Secretary of State. This victory allows Moreno to avoid a runoff in a competitive field that included fellow councilmember Oliver Thomas and state Senator Royce Duplessis.
Moreno will officially take office in January.
Cantrell’s Turbulent Tenure
LaToya Cantrell, the first woman to serve as the mayor of New Orleans, faced significant challenges during her term. Her second tenure was marked by external pressures, including a recall effort in 2022 and ongoing clashes with members of the City Council. In August, Cantrell was indicted on charges related to a long-term scheme involving her former bodyguard.
She has denied any wrongdoing, pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction.
Moreno’s Campaign Focus
During her campaign, Helena Moreno raised over $3.4 million, the highest amount among candidates. Her platform emphasized several key areas:
- Public safety
- Economic development
- Improved city services
Born in Mexico, Moreno immigrated to the U.S. at a young age. She began her career as a television reporter before entering politics. Moreno became a Louisiana state representative in 2010 and was elected as a city councilmember at-large in 2017.
Federal Troop Concerns
The election comes at a time when President Donald Trump and Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have suggested deploying federal troops to combat crime in New Orleans. However, Moreno has expressed her opposition to this federal intervention.
With her election, the city of New Orleans looks ahead to new leadership during a challenging period marked by both controversy and potential reform.
