3-minute voter guide: New Orleans mayoral election
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Oliver Thomas, Helena Moreno and Royce Duplessis. Photos: New Orleans City Council and Louisiana Senate
New Orleans will elect a new mayor soon, offering the possibility of a reset after years of scandal, infighting and frustration over basic services.
Why it matters: The mayor is the city's most powerful official, shaping everything from street repairs to public safety.
The big picture: Mayor LaToya Cantrell is term limited and will depart in January amid federal corruption charges. Three frontrunners have emerged in a crowded field of 11 vying for the job.
- The next mayor is most likely to be State Sen. Royce Duplessis, City Council vice president Helena Moreno or City Council member Oliver Thomas.
- Of those, Moreno has been the most successful in fundraising and has been leading the recent polls. All three are Democrats.
How it works: The Oct. 11 election is a jungle primary, where if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, they win outright.
- The Moreno campaign is trying to win in the primary. Recent polls say that is within reach. Otherwise, the top two candidates will head into a runoff on Nov. 15.
- Early voting starts on Saturday. See your sample ballot.
The candidates
We asked the frontrunners to answer the same three questions. Here is what they said.
- Their answers have been edited for length and clarity but were not fact-checked.
- The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Royce Duplessis
Duplessis was elected to the state legislature in 2018. Previously, he was a City Council staffer and worked in Washington D.C. (Bio)
- He has positioned himself as someone not involved in the city's current political structure who can come in and fix things. (Platform)
🌟 One big thing about me: I'm a son of New Orleans who is most qualified to deliver the change our people need.
- I've gone toe-to-toe with MAGA Republicans in Baton Rouge — and won — to hold insurance companies accountable, increase critical health care access, help lower homeowners insurance and more.
🚧 First thing I'll do in office: I will launch 100 projects in my first 100 days, with 20 projects in every council district, from fixing roads and drainage to cleaning streets.
🍴 Celebratory meal: Mandina's! It's where I once bussed tables so I love talking to the waiters to see what's different. I'm ordering a stuffed shrimp plate all day!
Helena Moreno
Moreno has served on the City Council for eight years. Previously, she was a state legislator and a WDSU reporter. (Bio)
- She has positioned herself as someone who has been successful at solving problems in the city. (Platform)
🌟 One big thing about me: I will be a 24/7 mayor who works everyday to move our city in a new direction, one where every neighborhood gets the basic services people deserve.
- I have the experience to get the job done on day one.
🚧 First thing I'll do in office: My first 100 days will focus on fixing City Hall — hiring top talent, restructuring departments, fixing the safety and permits mess, and ensuring coordination — so New Orleanians get the basic services they deserve.
🍴 Celebratory meal: There are too many to choose from, but I can't stop thinking about the treats from Nola Sweet Tooth Fairy near my campaign headquarters in New Orleans East.
Oliver Thomas
Thomas was first elected to the City Council in 1994. He resigned in 2007 after pleading guilty to a federal bribery charge. He was elected again to the council in 2021. (Bio)
- He has positioned himself as someone who will fight for Black and middle-class residents in underserved neighborhoods. (Platform)
🌟 One big thing about me: Ultimately, this is about restoring trust.
- I'm not running just to hold office. I'm running to fix what's broken so our residents can live in a New Orleans where they can see themselves here for the long haul.
🚧 First thing I'll do in office: I'll conduct a city services audit, meet with key stakeholders, and launch a public safety task force.
- I'll expedite our economic development by authorizing conditional use permits, resolve the lawsuit with the school board, and work to ensure a long-term funding plan and accountability with OPSB.
🍴 Celebratory restaurant: Cafe Reconcile. I usually order the oxtails.
More candidates
Eight more candidates are running, including Frank Janusa, the only Republican on the ballot.
Yes, but: They have not been as successful with fundraising or at getting name recognition as Duplessis, Moreno and Thomas.
What others say
- Bureau of Governmental Research Q&As
- More in-depth candidate answers via Verite
- Blue Voter Guide with candidate endorsements
Go deeper: See our 1-minute City Council voter guide