Latest News
Elections Shape Local Leadership and Legislative Focus
Oct 21, 2025
New Orleans Mayoral and City Council Races
The recent Oct. 11 elections in New Orleans reflected a clear mandate from the city’s voters. Helena Moreno was elected Mayor, while the City Council At-Large seats were won by JP Morrell (reelected with 66% of the vote) and Matthew Willard (59%), making them the first two Black politicians to serve simultaneously in the At-Large posts.
Incumbents Lesli Harris, Freddie King, and Eugene Green also secured their positions outright. Harris faced no opposition, King won 64% in District C, and Green earned 67% in District D. The races for District A and District E are headed to a runoff on Nov. 15, with Aimee McCarron, currently second in District A with 32%, and State Rep. Jason Hughes trailing at 36% in District E, both supported by the LRA Hospitality PAC.
The LRA Hospitality Political Action Committee (PAC) actively supported all candidates who were elected or reelected, ensuring that the hospitality industry’s voice is represented in city government:
- Mayor: Helena Moreno
- At-Large Councilmembers: JP Morrell and Matthew Willard
- Councilmembers retaining seats: Lesli Harris, Freddie King, Eugene Green
These results show that New Orleanians overwhelmingly chose experienced, accountable leadership, and the LRA’s engagement ensures that our industry’s priorities — transparency, communication, and collaboration with city leadership — remain central to New Orleans governance.
Upcoming Special Legislative Session
Looking ahead, Governor Jeff Landry has called a three-week special session from Oct. 23 to Nov. 13 to address election plans for 2026. Key points:
- Lawmakers may file bills related to election code, dates, deadlines, and plans, as well as related funding bills.
- The session responds to the anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Callais v. Louisiana, which could affect congressional redistricting, including majority-Black districts.
- No new maps will be drawn during this session, but qualifying deadlines may shift to align with Supreme Court timing.
- Louisiana will move to closed primaries for congressional elections starting in 2026, with party primaries currently scheduled for April 18, 2026.
Through active engagement in local elections and advocacy at the state level, the LRA continues to ensure that the hospitality industry’s voice is heard and its interests are represented.
