Two long-shot candidates say they'll run in the New Orleans mayoral race, and political insiders are speculating who else will join them.

Why it matters: The race is expected to heat up in the coming months as candidates officially announce their intentions, fundraise and hire staff.

Between the lines: Mayor LaToya Cantrell is term-limited and leaves office in 2026.

The big picture: Candidates have been feeling out options for months, and many appear to be waiting until after the presidential election to announce.

• Here are some of the names insiders say are considering running.

Announced

Belden "Noonie Man" Batiste: The man behind the efforts to recall Cantrell tells Axios he's running a grassroots, self-funded mayoral campaign.

• "I'm running on a platform for the people," he said. "We need somebody who can fix the city and I am that person."

Ricky Twiggs: Twiggs, a licensed counselor, announced his candidacy earlier this year as an independent.

• His platform focuses on anti-corruption, mental health, education reform and modernization of the city's infrastructure and utilities.

Rumored to be running

City Council President Helena Moreno: She has a fundraiser Wednesday "to support our campaign for the future," according to the invitation.

• It doesn't say what she's campaigning for, but she told Axios to "stay tuned."

Council member Oliver Thomas: He tells Axios he's made a decision about running. "I'll share it at the appropriate time," he said in August.

• He's increased his public appearances and published what appears to be a campaign platform.

Former judge Arthur Hunter: He tells Axios he is "strongly considering" running for mayor.

• Hunter's been sharing his ideas in columns for The Lens.

State Sen. Royce Duplessis is contemplating running, insiders say.

The bottom line: It's early, and more candidates will likely throw their hat in the ring.

• Qualifying starts in July 2025. The primary is in October 2025 followed by the general election in November.

More about the race

👋🏻 Carlie here. I rode in Krewe of Boo to get a firsthand look at what it takes to put on the party.

The big picture: Brian Kern, the krewe captain and an Axios New Orleans member, gifted us two spots to ride, in addition to throws.

• It's the first time I've ridden in a float parade in years. The last time, I was a Girl Scout in a truck parade.

The ride: Talk about an adrenaline rush. Axios colleague Maddy Johnston and I danced and threw beads for three hours straight.

• And we saw your Axios signs! Y'all made my night.

💭 Maddy's thought bubble: Everyone dancing and smiling and having a good time is such a special reminder of how amazing it is to live here.

The bottom line: If you haven't been in a New Orleans parade before, add it to your bucket list.

• And, thank a krewe member for putting on the free party for the rest of us, whether it's Halloween, Mardi Gras or St. Patrick's Day.

Go deeper for videos of our favorite moments

☀️ New Orleans could have a warmer and drier than average winter, according to the seasonal outlook from the National Weather Service. (Axios)

🎤 Mayor LaToya Cantrell dropped the second episode of her "NOLA Insight" podcast. It features Percy "Master P" Miller and Kaleidoscope Hair Products CEO Jesseca Harris-Dupart. (YouTube)

• Meanwhile, Gov. Jeff Landry is meeting with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. The mogul is building a studio complex in Shreveport. (X)

👀 Landry's surgical castration law is one of several controversial bills getting attention across the pond. The (London) Times profiled our alligator-hunting governor. (Full story)

• Chelsea is in the documentary. Watch it.

🗳️ Early voting is open now through Oct. 29. Check your polling location and see the Axios voter guide.

Zillow plans to start showing climate risk scores, interactive maps and insurance information on its home listings.

Why it matters: This step gives prospective buyers their first combined look at climate risk information with home insurance recommendations.

• Due in part to climate change-related trends in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, the price of home insurance has been increasing in many parts of the country.

Zoom in: The information will come from the climate risk company First Street. It will include historical data on past events that affected the area where a property is located, such as flooding.

• It will also have scores on future risks to properties from floods, wildfires, high winds, extreme heat and poor air quality.

Full story

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Kim Possible is the most searched-for Halloween costume idea in New Orleans, according to Google data.

• Cue the Kimmunicator beeper tone!

The intrigue: Disney's animated series "Kim Possible" ran from 2002 to 2007, but millennial nostalgia is back in a big way, and some have said the show is due for a reboot.

Other top costumes for New Orleans, according to Google, are, in order, the Halloween classic Stephen King clown Pennywise, the "Descendants"' Queen of Hearts, Freddy Krueger and Tinker Bell.

• See other Louisiana searches.