New Orleans, LA — The race to decide who will replace Mayor LaToya Cantrell in New Orleans is intensifying, with multiple candidates heralding new agendas aimed at guiding the city through pressing urban challenges. Among the burgeoning field is Arthur Hunter, a former Orleans Parish criminal court judge and ex-city police officer, who announced his candidacy as he seeks to transition his judicial insights into executive municipal leadership.
Hunter, notable for his advocacy in public defense during his judicial tenure, confirmed his mayoral aspirations by filing the necessary paperwork with the state ethics board. This move comes after his third-place finish in the 2020 race for Orleans Parish District Attorney, a contest won by Jason Williams.
In his campaign announcement, Hunter stated, “New Orleans stands at a pivotal juncture. The city merits leadership that not only presents genuine solutions but is also dedicated to fostering a safer, more robust, and prosperous environment for all residents.” He expressed his deep affection for the city and hinted at an upcoming formal campaign launch.
Joining him in the race is City Council Vice President Helena Moreno, who declared her candidacy last December. Moreno has quickly positioned herself as a leading contender, amassing close to $1 million in campaign funds for the 2024 election cycle, a sum that underscores her serious intent and early momentum.
Moreno’s sole competition, until recently, had been minimal. However, Hunter’s entry into the race and the potential candidacy of seasoned city council member Oliver Thomas—who is rumored to be securing campaign consultants—suggest a competitive electoral season ahead.
The electoral context is shaped significantly by public sentiment towards the current administration. According to the University of New Orleans’ Quality of Life Survey, satisfaction among residents has seen a marked improvement, bolstered by noted decreases in crime rates. However, these improvements have not translated into robust approval for Mayor Cantrell, whose performance received a favorable rating from only 33% of survey respondents this year, a slight uptick from 31% in the previous year.
This dissatisfaction likely stems from persistent challenges during Cantrell’s tenure, including the impacts of a devastating hurricane and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which have tested the resilience and administrative capacity of the city’s leadership.
As the mayoral race unfolds, New Orleans voters are signaling a readiness for change, driven by a desire for leadership that can build upon the city’s recent progress while addressing its enduring issues.
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