Apr 16, 2025 - Politics

Helena Moreno builds massive fundraising lead in New Orleans mayoral race

Carlie Kollath Wells

Photos shows Helena Moreno. — Helena Moreno, a current member of the New Orleans City Council, is the fundraising frontrunner in the mayoral race. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Helena Moreno grew her campaign war chest by almost $1 million in the past three months as she and others compete to be New Orleans' next mayor.

Why it matters: The candidate with the most money doesn't always win, but a bigger bank account certainly helps.

The big picture: Moreno started the year with a large financial head start over the other candidates, many of whom had not officially announced.

Here's where the candidates stand as of April 4, according to their documents filed with the state:

Moreno received $883,000 in contributions so far this year, her filings show. The City Council member spent about $320,000 and now has $1.5 million in the bank.

Tickets to fundraising events have been her biggest moneymaker ($574,000).
See her donors, which include restaurateurs Ti Martin and Ralph Brennan.

Oliver Thomas got $83,000 in contributions, according to his paperwork. The City Council member spent about $62,000 and now has $225,000 in the bank.

See his donors, which include Troy Henry, the developer of the former Six Flags site and the businessman vying for the French Quarter trash contract.

Arthur Hunter got about $89,000 in contributions, his paperwork shows. The former judge has spent less than $200.

See his donors, including Burl Cain, the former warden at Angola, and former political candidate Carolyn Fayard.

Tyrell Morris, the city's former 911 chief who's facing criminal charges, got about $1,200 in contributions. He spent about $200 and now has $1,000 in the bank.

See his donors, which are mainly women from out of state.

Ricky Twiggs got $155 in contributions and spent about $50. The mental health counselor has about $400 in the bank.

See his donors.

Between the lines: The Louisiana Ethics Administration doesn't have any financial paperwork on its website for Renada Collins.

State of play: Mayor LaToya Cantrell is term-limited and leaves office in January 2026.

Her second term has been plagued with scandal and political infighting. She's also under a federal investigation.
Her troubles have been a common thread for the candidates, with their platforms focusing on public safety, infrastructure and transparency.

What's next: Qualifying starts in July. The primary is in October, followed by the general election in November.

Go deeper: Our running list of candidates

Add Axios on Google

Helena Moreno builds massive fundraising lead in New Orleans mayoral race

More New Orleans stories