New Orleans mayor candidates spend big in sprint to Oct. 11 election
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Big spenders alert: The New Orleans mayoral candidates are burning through cash as they make a last push to get in front of voters before Saturday's election.
Why it matters: The race could be decided in the primary.
The big picture: Helena Moreno is vying to win outright on Saturday by getting more than 50% of the vote.
- Royce Duplessis, Oliver Thomas and lone Republican challenger Frank Janusa want to push her into a runoff.
💰 Helena Moreno spent almost $1 million last month, according to her paperwork filed last week.
- She raised $265,265 in the same time period and ended with $769,762 in the bank.
- Of interest: The campaign paid Mayor LaToya Cantrell's former spokesperson Leatrice Dupre $1,500 last month for her services as a campaign worker. The mayor's office confirmed to Axios that Dupre no longer works for the city.
🤑 Royce Duplessis raised $216,678 in September, according to his campaign finance reports.
- He spent $585,905 during the time period, winding up with $220,936 in the bank as of Sept. 21.
- Of interest: "Captain America" actor Anthony Mackie donated $5,000 last month to the campaign, records show.
💵 Oliver Thomas' fundraising momentum slowed in September, with only $25,675 coming in, records show.
- He's also spending heavily, shelling out $221,909 last month. He ended the period with $119,881 cash on hand.
💸 Frank Janusa's campaign coffers are empty, according to his latest filing.
- He spent $14,355.96 in September and ended the month in the hole for more than $400.
- Of note: Fellow mayoral hopeful Joseph Bikulege donated to his campaign.
Early voting totals
Early voting: 38,661 voters in Orleans Parish cast their ballots early, according to the secretary of state's office on Monday.
- More early voters were female, Black and registered Democrats, the data shows.
- Early voting ended Saturday.
What's next: The primary election is this Saturday, Oct. 11. Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm. See your sample ballot.