So is considering running for mayor, eh?
A recent Duplessis fundraiser sparked speculation that the senator, a Democrat, wants to be the next New Orleans mayor.
New Orleans' next mayoral primary is less than 19 months away — Oct. 11, 2025 — but that's not a long time in the world of electoral politics. Qualifying is set for July 9-11 of next year, less than 16 months away.
Duplessis hasn't addressed the question of his potential candidacy publicly. It's all speculation, for now.
Besides, it wasn't that long ago that state. Sen. Duplessis was state Rep.. He won that job when then-Â became a New Orleans City Council member. Moreno endorsed Duplessis in that special election, his first bid for public office.
Many consider Moreno and District E Council member Oliver Thomas to be co-front-runners in the run-up to the mayoral election.
No offense to Duplessis, but I have to wonder how many of the folks interested in him running simply want an alternative to the early front-runners. Again, there's a lot of speculation at this early stage.
What isn't speculation is who's having one-on-one and small group conversations, taking polls and raising campaign funds.
What isn't speculation is how many citizens are ready to move on — even if they support Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
"The public confidence in the mayor's office is at an all-time low," Council Vice President JP Morrell told me. Morrell added that people aren't likely to accept an outsider or someone without a strong resume that shows they get things done. Morrell, who said he won't run, wants a second term as an at-large Council member.
Cantrell wasn't an early front-runner in 2017. In fact, she was a long shot. Now that Cantrell is term-limited, any number of mayoral hopefuls may jump in.
Moreno represents the city at large. Thomas represents Council District E — the Lower 9th Ward and New Orleans East. Neither will say, officially, that they're considering a mayoral run.
Moreno's campaign finance report looks strong, however.
"I know people want to start the mayor's race early," said Thomas. "I'm honored the community is encouraging me and considering me, but I can't get distracted from my commitment to the people of District E."
Arthur Hunter served for 23 years as an Orleans Parish criminal court judge.
Meanwhile, Council members Joe Giarrusso, Lesli Harris and Freddie King told me they're not running for mayor. Each said they're focused on their districts, respectively District A, B and District C. : "I'm definitely thinking about Helena's open seat." Harris: "I'm not running for mayor," King: "I have no desire to run for mayor."
That leaves Eugene Green, who represents District D. "I don't have a comment at this time," he said. Mmmmm.
Loyola law alumnus and former president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans Inc. Charles Rice Jr. served as city attorney and chief administrative officer for New Orleans. He also held a private practice in the law firm of Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver LLC, where he was named partner.Â
Want more options?
How about District Attorney Jason Williams? He's been mentioned, but he didn't respond when I asked. The DA has a six-year term — and no term limits. Mayors serve four-year terms and can succeed themselves once before having to take leave — but they can run again after sitting out for four years. Right now, most politicos expect Williams not to run for mayor.
There's also retired Judge Arthur Hunter. A former police officer, Hunter lost the race for DA to Williams in 2020, when he was one of three major candidates who split the vote.
Hunter won't say he's thinking about the mayor's race, but his interest is an open secret. "Right now, my focus is providing career training opportunities for people, especially our young people," he said.
And don't be surprised if a man who was once in the public eye decides to become a mayoral candidate: Former Entergy New Orleans president and CEO Charles Rice, now a Southern University Law Center professor, has been mentioned. Rice also served as a top aide to former Mayor Ray Nagin.
Moreno and Thomas have been at the top of early polls, but, should they decide to go for the big seat, they'll likely have competition. If they want to discourage others from running, they may declare in the coming months.
As the clock ticks down to the July qualifying dates next year, this summer and early fall could see the first announcements. Candidates have to make their intentions clear and present their visions for New Orleans' future. Most candidates need about a year to do that.
As some consider running, we citizens should consider what we want to see done in the next four to eight years — and who might be best equipped to deal with an intractable homeless situation, ineffective Sewerage & Water Board operations, declining infrastructure and more.
