The 2025 New Orleans Mayoral Election is upon us in Southeast Louisiana. The primary for mayor is set for October 11, 2025, followed by a runoff on November 15 if no candidate achieves a majority in the first round. Incumbent Mayor LaToya Cantrell is term‑limited and ineligible to run again. Notably, analysts describe this as the first open mayoral election in 50 years without dominance by political dynasties or established Black political organizations—a real pivot in New Orleans politics.
HELENA MORENO
DEMOCRATIC
ROYCE DUPLESSIS
DEMOCRATIC
OLIVER THOMAS
DEMOCRATIC
FRANK JANUSA
REPUBLICAN
MANNY CHEVROLET
NO PARTY
FRANK SCURLOCK
NO PARTY
EILEEN CARTER
NO PARTY
RENADA COLLINS
NO PARTY
RICKY TWIGGS
INDEPENDENT
JOE BIKULEGE
INDEPENDENT
RUSSELL BUTLER
NO PARTY
GABRIELLE THOMAS
DISQUALIFIED
TYRELL MORRIS
DISQUALIFIED
ARTHUR HUNTER
WITHDRAWN
BELDEN BATISTE
WITHDRAWN
HELENA MORENO
From the ELECTION PAGE
Helena Moreno has waged courageous fights on behalf of the people of New Orleans to win a better future for everyone. She’s dedicated to championing change on behalf of our communities by demanding a fair, effective and unbiased justice system; health care as a right, not a privilege; living wages for our working families; strong climate action; and by securing and expanding civil and voting rights. Since her first election in 2017, Helena has built a reputation as a tireless advocate on behalf of the people of New Orleans. Over the past four years, she’s led the fight for a safer, more affordable, more equitable, and more accountable city. In 2021, the people of New Orleans overwhelmingly endorsed her re-election: Helena won 85% of the vote and won every voting precinct in New Orleans.
ROYCE DUPLESSIS
From the ELECTION PAGE
“Royce’s leadership, dedication to the community, and public service have been recognized by the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (2022 Mondale-Brooke Award), Louisiana Center for Development and Learning (2021 Legislator of the Year), the E Pluribus Unum Fund (2021 Fellow), the Childcare Association of Louisiana (2019 Legislator of the Year), and the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (2017 Fellow; Leadership Award Recipient). He was also honored as one of Xavier University of Louisiana’s 2015 40 Under 40, is a member of the Education Leadership Institute (2016 Fellow), and the New Leaders Council (2014 Fellow). In 2012, Royce was elected to serve on the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee. In March of 2023, Royce was awarded the Calogero Champion of Justice Award for his commitment to youth justice, his partnership with Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights at the state legislature, and his tireless efforts to make his community a better and more just place. Royce is currently serving on the Board of the Innocence Project and Governor’s Council on the Success of Black Men and Boys; demonstrating his commitment to Criminal Justice Reform and the marginalized.”
OLIVER THOMAS
From the ELECTION PAGE
“The Honorable Oliver M. Thomas, Jr. was elected in 2021 to serve as Councilmember of District “E” – Orleans Parish. As the citizens voice of District “E”, Councilmember Thomas relies heavily on his experiences as a servant leader, to evaluate the needs of every resident, seamlessly integrating resources, and diligently performing his duties with his constituents’ priorities clearly at the forefront of his office’s agenda. Oliver, affectionately known as “OT”, is a native of New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, a historic community located within the district he now serves. The son of a laborer and telephone operator, his life has been rooted in hard work, constituent relations, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.”
FRANK SCURLOCK
From the ELECTION PAGE
“A true son of New Orleans, Frank Mials Scurlock brings a lifetime of business innovation and community service to his campaign for mayor. As a successful entrepreneur who has created over 500 jobs across Louisiana, Frank understands what it takes to revitalize our city’s economy. From his family’s legacy with Space Walk — the company that brought joy to millions through inflatable entertainment — to his current work renovating facilities in Gert Town for local manufacturing, Frank has always invested in our community’s future.”
EILEEN CARTER
From the ELECTION PAGE
“New Orleans is facing a critical juncture. The city has experienced a significant population decline, with the metro area losing 4.1% from April 2020. These numbers are heartbreaking as a native. We lost so many people and traditions in the exodus after Katrina; we cannot sustain another. We lost our families. We lost hope. Time to come home. To reverse this trend and encourage population growth, I propose a comprehensive plan focusing on the following areas:
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: Implement policies to increase the availability of affordable housing, including incentives for developers to build low-cost housing units and support for renters. Build out programs to eliminate blight by offering essential works and former New Orleans residents a pathway home. Housing Trust Fund
- Public Safety Enhancements: Invest in community policing, substations, youth programs, and neighborhood watch initiatives to reduce crime and improve safety across the city.
- Economic Development: Attract new businesses and events and support local entrepreneurs to create jobs, particularly in emerging and foundational industries such as music, technology and restaurants. Match young residents with entry city jobs
- Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrade the city’s infrastructure to withstand environmental challenges, including flood control systems and resilient building practices. Hire efficient project management
- Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community through cultural programs, public spaces, and events that celebrate the unique heritage of New Orleans. Build a “French Market for Natives” with community insight, city hall neighborhood hubs, police sub stations, talent shows, regional & national outreach to come home.
New Orleans has always been a city of resilience and innovation. By addressing the root causes of population decline, listening to our people and implementing targeted strategies, we can rebuild a thriving, vibrant city that attracts and retains residents. Together, we can turn the tide and ensure a prosperous future for all New Orleanians.”
RENADA COLLINS
From the ELECTION PAGE
“New Orleans, it’s time for a mayor who’s flexible and ready to effectively operate day-to-day operations as well as handle unforeseen
events. Renada Collins is a New Orleans native, business coach, mother, and is ready to provide: Equal access to opportunities, prioritize locals, stabilize housing, increase the population, increase resources for small business owners, and affordable housing, just to name a few. Vote October 11, 2025 to elect Renada Collins #18 on ballot- No Party Mayor.
RICKY TWIGGS
From the ELECTION PAGE
“Senator Royce Duplessis wrote earlier this year that he would not run for Mayor in 2025 due to “entrenched machine politics” in New Orleans. The machine that we are up against has held power for the past 150 years in NOLA. It’s Time for new leadership from outside the political machine. Real, LOCAL leadership. That is where I come in. My name is Ricky Twiggs Jr., I grew up in Algiers right off of Whitney Ave. on Alix Street. I am a Progressive Independent with a track record of advocacy and building a healthier NOLA. Since 2017 I have been starting, building, and consulting for addiction and behavioral health facilities from Algiers to New Orleans East. In 2011, I consulted for Fortune 500 companies, such as Enphase Energy and Dremel. In 2013, I brought commericial 3D Printing to the State of Louisiana. Now, my eyes are set on breaking the political machine that is destroying our home.”
FRANK JANUSA
From the ELECTION PAGE
MANNY CHEVROLET
From the ELECTION PAGE
“A Troubled Man for Troubled Times”
JOE BIKULEGE
From the ELECTION PAGE
RUSSELL BUTLER
From the ELECTION PAGE
GABRIELLE THOMAS
Gabrielle Thomas has been disqualified from the 2025 New Orleans Mayors Race.
TYRELL MORRIS
Tyrell Morris has been disqualified from the 2025 New Orleans Mayors Race.
ARTHUR HUNTER
Arthur Hunter has withdrawn from the 2025 New Orleans Mayors Race.
“New Orleans is in trouble. Our streets are broken, crime is out of control, and too many families are struggling. We can’t keep making excuses — it’s time for real solutions. I’m Arthur Hunter, and I’m running for mayor because I know we can rebuild this city the right way. I grew up in New Orleans East. I played football on my neighborhood NORD playground, went to St. Augustine High School, and later joined the New Orleans Police Department. I worked full-time as a cop while going to law school at night. I became a lawyer, then a judge. I’ve seen the system from every side — but I haven’t been compromised by it.”
BELDEN BATISTE
Belden Batiste has withdrawn from the 2025 New Orleans Mayors Race.
“My mission is simple: to bring lasting change to the families and communities I serve.”
Election Overview
- The primary for mayor is set for October 11, 2025, followed by a runoff on November 15 if no candidate achieves a majority in the first round.
- Incumbent Mayor LaToya Cantrell is term‑limited and ineligible to run again.
- Notably, analysts describe this as the first open mayoral election in 50 years without dominance by political dynasties or established Black political organizations—a real pivot in New Orleans politics.
Campaign Finance & Endorsements
- Helena Moreno has raised over $1.3 million (some sources say more than $2 million) and retains a strong fundraising lead.
- Royce Duplessis, despite late entry, has shown fundraising momentum—raising $166,000 since the start of the year, including $19,000 in two days.
- Arthur Hunter had raised approximately $235,000 before exiting the race.
- Endorsements:
- Hunter endorsed Duplessis upon withdrawal.
- Greater New Orleans AFL–CIO has endorsed Moreno, Thomas, and Duplessis.
Forums & Campaign Dynamics
- In a June town hall hosted by Voters Organized to Educate, key candidates including Moreno, Thomas, Hunter, and Duplessis pitched platforms centered on infrastructure, public safety, and equity for residents—not tourists. Hunter, Moreno, and Thomas appeared on stage; Duplessis announced his candidacy shortly thereafter.
- At a forum by the Young Leadership Council in early August, the four most prominent poll leaders—Moreno, Thomas, Duplessis, and Hunter—took the stage (before Hunter’s withdrawal).
What’s at Stake
This election marks a potential turning point for New Orleans: a rare, open path to a post-incumbent administration without entrenched political machinery. With the outgoing Cantrell term ending, the city seeks fresh leadership amid persistent challenges—including infrastructure deficits, public safety concerns, and equitable development.
