From Mexican immigrant to New Orleans: Ex-TV journalist elected new mayor — Who is Helena Moreno?

Helena Moreno has been elected as the new mayor of New Orleans, securing 55% of the vote in Saturday’s election, as per preliminary results from the Louisiana Secretary of State. Moreno, 48, succeeded LaToya Cantrell, who is concluding a turbulent second term overshadowed by federal corruption charges. The Democrat avoided a runoff in a wide field by defeating Oliver Thomas, a fellow council member, and state Senator Royce Duplessis. She will assume office in January. Cantrell, who was ineligible to run again due to term limits, was the first woman mayor in the city’s 300-year history and later won reelection. However, a tumultuous second term included clashes with City Council members and surviving a recall effort in 2022. In August, Cantrell was indicted over what federal prosecut