Councilman Oliver Thomas Officially Enters Mayoral Race

Today, New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas released a video officially announcing his decision to run for Mayor of New Orleans.

Thomas currently represents District E, which includes the Lower 9th Ward and New Orleans East. He previously served as Councilman for District B (1994-2002) as well an at-large councilman from 2002 until 2007.

As speculation grew late last year surrounding possible mayoral candidates, Thomas hinted he was considering a run for the office, but would wait after this year’s Mardi Gras celebration to officially announce his decision.

“I prayed over it with my family and spent months surveying voters and meeting with them privately, from neighborhood preservationists to young entrepreneurs. I wanted to hear from them first. That’s how politics here used to be – ideas bubbled up from the people,” Thomas said in a printed statement.

He continued, “For all the reasons they say I shouldn’t run – New Orleans is the reason I have to run. A city that looks abandoned makes people want to abandon it. We need renewal. We need a comeback. And no one understands that more than me,” said Thomas. “We need a city that works for everyone. I have the institutional knowledge, as the only person who has served in three council positions. But more importantly, I will return New Orleans to the people who love it so they are excited to stay here. We will fix our roads, pick up the tires, and restore pride in our public spaces.”