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Helena Moreno wins New Orleans mayoral race with 55% of the vote.

Moreno succeeds Mayor LaToya Cantrell , who faced federal charges.

Campaign focused on public safety, economic growth, and city services.

Moreno becomes the city’s next leader in January 2026.

New Orleans city councilmember Helena Moreno was elected mayor Saturday in the race to succeed LaToya Cantrell, who is ending a turbulent second term shadowed by federal corruption charges.

Moreno, 48, secured an outright victory with 55% of the vote with all precincts reporting, according to preliminary results from the Louisiana Secretary of State . The Democrat avoided a runoff in a wide field by beating out Oliver Thomas , a fellow councilmember, and state Sen. Royce Duplessis . She will take office

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