Helena Moreno has been elected as the new mayor of New Orleans, securing 55% of the vote in Saturday’s election, as per preliminary results from the Louisiana Secretary of State.Moreno, 48, succeeded LaToya Cantrell, who is concluding a turbulent second term overshadowed by federal corruption charges. The Democrat avoided a runoff in a wide field by defeating Oliver Thomas, a fellow council member, and state Senator Royce Duplessis. She will assume office in January. Cantrell, who was ineligible to run again due to term limits, was the first woman mayor in the city’s 300-year history and later won reelection. However, a tumultuous second term included clashes with City Council members and surviving a recall effort in 2022. In August, Cantrell was indicted over what federal prosecutors described as a years-long scheme to conceal a romantic relationship with her former bodyguard. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction. Moreno’s campaign raised more than Rs 28 crore, the highest among candidates, and centred her platform on promoting public safety, economic development and improved city services.
Who is Helena Moreno?
Born in Mexico, Moreno moved to the US at the age of eight. She arrived in New Orleans as a television reporter in the early 2000s before switching to politics.Elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in May 2010, Helena Moreno represented District 93 — encompassing areas like Treme, the Garden District, Central City, St. Roch, the French Quarter, Mid City, and the CBD.Known as a strong advocate for women, she was featured in the award-winning documentary Five Awake for her work against domestic violence. Moreno has also earned recognition for her efforts in criminal justice reform, public safety, health care, education, and elderly care. On the New Orleans City Council, she leads the Climate and Sustainability Committee and the Economic Development Committee, and has previously chaired key panels overseeing utilities, technology, and budgeting.Helena holds a degree in Journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She lives uptown with her husband Chris Meeks.
