Helena Moreno, a New Orleans City Council member, won the mayoral race outright with 55% of the vote, avoiding a runoff by defeating Oliver Thomas and state Sen. Royce Duplessis. She will take office in January. The election comes as LaToya Cantrell leaves under term limits after a turbulent second term and an August indictment; she has pleaded not guilty. Moreno raised more than $3.4 million and campaigned on public safety, economic development, and improved city services. President Donald Trump has suggested New Orleans could be a target for National Guard deployment.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.