Helena Moreno was sworn in as the 63rd mayor of New Orleans on January 12, 2026, becoming the first person of Mexican descent to lead the city.
On January 12, 2026, Helena Moreno made history as she was sworn in as the 63rd mayor of New Orleans, becoming the city’s first leader of Mexican descent and the second woman to hold the office. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Saenger Theatre, where more than 2,500 guests gathered to witness the milestone event.
Moreno, born in Veracruz, Mexico, and raised in Texas, took the oath of office administered by former Vice President Kamala Harris, who praised her as “talented but tough” and committed to fairness. In her inaugural address, Moreno emphasized unity, resilience, and the multicultural spirit of New Orleans, pledging to rebuild trust in city government after years of political turmoil.
Her swearing-in comes at a critical time for the city, which faces challenges including a budget deficit, layoffs, and recovery from a terrorist attack in late 2025. Moreno promised to confront these issues head-on, vowing to “fix what has been ignored” and to lift up every neighborhood across New Orleans.
Before becoming mayor, Moreno served as a television journalist and later as a city council member, where she built a reputation for advocating diversity and transparency. Her election marks a turning point in Louisiana politics, as she is also the first Latina mayor in the state’s history.
Moreno’s first term will run through 2029, during which she has pledged to prioritize public safety, economic revitalization, and inclusive governance. State leaders, including Governor Jeff Landry, have expressed support for her administration, signaling cooperation at both local and state levels.
Her historic inauguration reflects both the growing influence of Hispanic communities in the South and the city’s enduring commitment to cultural diversity.
Source: NOLA.GOV
