Helena Moreno Leads Historic Mayoral Victory in New Orleans

Helena Moreno is a Mexican-born American journalist and politician who has made significant contributions to public service in New Orleans. Born on September 30, 1977, she began her career as a journalist, serving as a morning news anchor and investigative reporter at WDSU-TV. Her work earned her several awards, including being named Broadcaster of the Year by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and Newscaster of the Year by Victims and Citizens Against Crime[3]. In 2010, Moreno transitioned into politics by winning a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 93. She served in this role until 2018, focusing on public safety, accountability, and social issues. In 2017, she successfully ran for an at-large seat on the New Orleans City Council, where she became Council President from 2019 to 2023 and was also Vice President of the Council. During her tenure on the Council, Moreno championed reforms such as banning no-knock warrants, promoting police accountability, decriminalizing marijuana, and addressing domestic violence and criminal justice issues[1][2]. Moreno's achievements extend to broadening economic opportunities, increasing safety, and reforming the criminal justice system. She has also been instrumental in promoting gender equality, leading climate action, and protecting vulnerable populations. In 2021, she won re-election with an overwhelming majority, receiving 85% of the vote across all precincts in New Orleans[2]. Recently, she has been involved in efforts to address city inefficiencies and infrastructure issues, including advocating for a master plan to improve city services[2]. Her current relevance is marked by her continued advocacy for a safer, more equitable New Orleans, pushing for innovative solutions to long-standing urban challenges.

LaToya Cantrell is a prominent figure in New Orleans politics, known for her historic role as the first woman to serve as Mayor of the city. Born into a life of community service, Cantrell's journey began with her grandmother taking her to neighborhood meetings as a child. By the age of 13, she was already serving as secretary for her local chamber of commerce[2][3]. Cantrell's connection to New Orleans deepened when she attended Xavier University, arriving in 1990. She and her husband, Jason, later settled in the Broadmoor neighborhood, where she became an active community member. Her leadership skills were notably demonstrated after Hurricane Katrina, as she led the redevelopment of Broadmoor as President of the Broadmoor Improvement Association. This effort transformed Broadmoor into an international model for disaster recovery[2][3]. Elected to the New Orleans City Council in 2012, Cantrell focused on improving residents' lives by working on large-scale projects that created new housing, retail, and job opportunities[2]. On May 7, 2018, she made history by becoming the first female Mayor of New Orleans, coinciding with the city's tricentennial celebration[1][3]. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in securing significant funding for infrastructure and advancing initiatives for a more equitable and safer city[1]. Recently, Mayor Cantrell has faced challenges, including a federal indictment, which has added her to the list of Louisiana politicians facing criminal charges[4]. Despite these challenges, she remains a pivotal figure in New Orleans politics, committed to creating a better future for all residents. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her efforts to revitalize city assets, such as the former Six Flags site, highlight her dedication to public service[1].