GNO, Inc. Sunday Night Highlight – New Orleans Elects a New Mayor

Helena Moreno will be New Orleans’ next mayor after securing an outright victory in yesterday’s municipal primary, capping a campaign that marshaled a diverse coalition and notched 55% of New Orleans’ citywide vote, avoiding the need for a run-off. Moreno, 48, becomes the second woman to win New Orleans’ top office and the first Hispanic person to earn that title.

Moreno began her political career after covering Hurricane Katrina as a journalist. She made a long-shot bid for Congress in 2008, and then won her first political seat two years later in the Louisiana House. In 2017, Moreno won the Division 1 At-Large seat on the New Orleans City Council. She served as City Council President from 2019 to 2023, after which she became Vice President. In her acceptance speech, Moreno said: “Tonight we are a step closer to moving New Orleans in a new direction – toward moving New Orleans to becoming a city that works, where we all can thrive, where opportunities aren’t just for some but for everyone. We have fought hard to get here, and I hope you are not weary, because we’re just getting started. Now the real work begins.”

For the New Orleans City Council, following Saturday’s election, all but two districts are finalized:

• At-Large, Division 1: Matthew Willard (won outright) — Took 59% in the primary, clearing 50% and avoiding a runoff
• At-Large, Division 2: J.P. Morrell (incumbent, won outright) — Won with 66% of the vote
• District A: Runoff (Holly Friedman vs. Aimee McCarron) — Friedman led with 39%; McCarron second at 32%, headed to Nov. 15 runoff
• District B: Lesli Harris (incumbent, unopposed) — Only district race with no challenger; re-elected without opposition
• District C: Freddie King III (incumbent, won outright) — Re-elected in the primary with 64% (no runoff)
• District D: Eugene Green (incumbent, won outright) — Re-elected in the primary with 67% (no runoff)
• District E: Runoff (Cyndi Nguyen vs. Jason Hughes) — Nguyen 46% to Hughes 36%, top two advance to Nov. 15 runoff

Finally, for Sheriff, former Police Chief Michelle Woodfork won outright with 53%.

Inauguration will be January 12, 2026.