Tribune Issues its Endorsements as Early Voting Gets Started in Special Legislative Primary
By The New Orleans Tribune Editorial Board
Early voting begins Saturday (Jan. 24) in Louisiana’s special legislative primary elections, giving voters the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day to help who will represent them in Baton Rouge at a moment when the stakes for New Orleans could not be clearer.
The Legislature’s decisions shape everything from insurance regulation and healthcare access to infrastructure funding, education investment, and neighborhood safety.
For voters in Orleans Parish, early voting is now open every day (except Sundays) through Saturday, Jan. 31 through. In Orleans Parish, ballots can be cast from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.; the Algier Courthouse, 225 Morgan St.; Lake Vista Community Center, 6500 Spanish Fort Blvd.; and the Voting Machine Warehouse, 8870 Chef Menteur Hwy.
At The New Orleans Tribune, we believe voting is a tool of community power; and our endorsements are shaped by one question: Who is prepared to deliver real results for the people?
With that in mind, we are proud to offer our endorsements in these key legislative races:
STATE SENATOR THIRD SENATORIAL DISTRICT
Sidney J. Barthelemy II
Sidney Barthelemy II
The New Orleans Tribune proudly endorses Sidney Barthelemy, a candidate who presents a leadership style rooted in action, accountability, and results. Barthelemy describes himself as “a builder by trade and by temperament,” and his responses consistently reflect someone focused on turning ideas into outcomes—not soundbites into headlines.
In a district that has endured rising costs, uneven development, and public frustration with systems that don’t deliver, Barthelemy’s approach is direct: fix what’s broken, and rebuild what’s failing. His issue priorities confront the pressures voters feel daily—insurance affordability, public safety and justice accountability, education quality and workforce readiness, and small business opportunity.
We are especially compelled by his stance on the insurance crisis. Barthelemy refuses to treat it as a political talking point, calling instead for real rate review authority, transparency, and consequences for abuse—language that speaks to the urgency facing families and small businesses struggling under unpredictable premium hikes.
Barthelemy also outlines an equity-centered vision that matches the Tribune’s long-standing belief that ZIP code should not determine opportunity.
His commitment to transparency—publishing priorities, reporting progress, and holding community briefings—offers the kind of consistent communication voters deserve from their elected officials.
Finally, Barthelemy’s proposed Community Resilience and Infrastructure Fund signals a serious plan for fixing the basics—roads, drainage, and flood mitigation—while saving money long-term by investing in prevention rather than emergency response.
For a district that needs dependable leadership and measurable results, Sidney Barthelemy is the clear choice.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE — 97TH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT
“Ed” Murray
“Ed” Murray
Edwin Murray has spent his life preparing to fight for New Orleans — and House District 97 deserves that kind of steady, experienced leadership right now. Ed Murray is an accomplished attorney, and someone who understands both the responsibility and the urgency of delivering real results for our neighborhoods.
Murray puts forward a clear, practical agenda centered on keeping New Orleans talent, families, and opportunity right here at home. His “Stop the Brain Drain” plan speaks directly to what so many residents feel: too many young professionals are forced to leave for better pay and more opportunity, and communities of color carry the greatest burden when that happens. He’s committed to policies that strengthen local opportunity so people can stay, build wealth, and invest in this city long-term.
Murray also brings a strong record of legal and civic experience. He has served as a partner at a respected law firm and built deep connections through service in professional and community organizations — including roles supporting City Park Conservancy and longstanding New Orleans civic traditions.
At a time when District 97 needs leadership that is serious, strategic, and rooted in the community, Edwin Murray stands out as the candidate ready to serve on day one. For a stronger economy, smarter policy, and a future that keeps New Orleans thriving, Edwin Murray has earned our endorsement.
Our Endorsement: Ed Murray
STATE REPRESENTATIVE — 100TH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT
Dana Henry
The New Orleans Tribune is proud to endorse Dana Henry because he brings the rare combination of legal expertise and community-grounded leadership that New Orleans East needs right now.
Henry’s background reflects a candidate who understands both policy and its real-life consequences. As a senior attorney with experience in insurance defense, labor and employment law, and complex litigation, he brings the kind of problem-solving discipline Louisiana’s Legislature too often lacks.
He has also demonstrated the ability to deliver measurable results—most notably by successfully advocating for major public investments, including helping secure $22 million annually for early childhood education.
Just as important, Henry’s priorities speak directly to what residents in New Orleans East have been living through: skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance costs, access to quality healthcare close to home, economic investment and job creation, public safety, and neighborhood pride.
His plans are not vague promises. He points to risk recalibration and fair pricing that reflects flood-protection investments, while strengthening oversight and expanding mitigation credits so families can afford to stay in their homes.
Henry also commits to governing with transparency, including regular public updates, community meetings, and clear progress reporting—an approach rooted in respect for constituents, not political convenience.
Louisiana’s quality-of-life rankings will not improve through slogans and culture wars. They will improve through serious, informed leadership that can navigate policy, protect working families, and deliver real resources to communities that have been overlooked. Dana Henry has presented that kind of leadership.
Our endorsement: Dana Henry.