Michelle Woodfork appears primed to exit the summer as the favorite in the six-way race for Orleans Parish sheriff after building a huge fundraising lead , securing a couple key endorsements and dominating the race’s only third-party poll in June.

A retired New Orleans Police Officer who gained citywide name recognition as NOPD’s interim superintendent in 2023, Woodfork has gained ground on an experienced pack of challengers to incumbent Sheriff Susan Hutson.

They include retired Criminal District Court Judge Julian Parker and longtime Algiers Constable Edwin Shorty. Two former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies — Bob Murray and Ernesteayo J. "Ernest" Lee, Sr. — are also running.

Though Hutson is trying to pitch voters on electing her to a second term, her prospects for reel

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