The New Orleans Tribune Announces Endorsements
ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF
SUSAN HUTSON
The New Orleans Tribune endorses Susan Hutson for sheriff
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has never been without challenges. That was true long before Susan Hutson took the helm, and it will remain true for whoever leads the office in the future. But in her first term as Sheriff, Hutson has faced those challenges head-on, and we believe she deserves another four years to continue the work she has started.
Let us be clear: no administration is perfect. But what we have witnessed over the past four years is a troubling pattern—where every hiccup and every bump in the road at the Sheriff’s Office under Hutson’s leadership have been treated as if they were unprecedented, as if such issues have never arisen before. The reality is that every sheriff who has held this office has had difficulties. The difference is that with Hutson, those difficulties have too often been weaponized, magnified, and used as an opportunity to attack Black leadership. We reject that double standard.
What matters most is the direction Sheriff Hutson is steering the office. She campaigned on a vision of reform, accountability, and improved conditions for those in custody. Change of this magnitude does not happen overnight. It takes time, persistence, and consistency. Four years is not enough to measure the full impact of her leadership.
We want to acknowledge that Michelle Woodfork and Edwin Shorty are both worthy candidates in this race. They have served this community honorably in their own right, and their willingness to step forward is commendable. But at this moment, in this race, we believe that the best path forward is not to change course, but to stay the course with Hutson.
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is one of the most scrutinized agencies in the city. It is also one of the most important. What it needs now is stability and the opportunity for reform to take root. That is why we stand with Susan Hutson. She has laid the foundation for meaningful change. She has weathered unfair criticism with grace. And she has shown us that her vision is not just about managing an office, but about building a system rooted in justice and equity.
CLERK, CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT
DARREN LOMBARD
The New Orleans Tribune endorses Darren Lombard for Clerk of Criminal District Court
Darren Lombard has demonstrated dedication and competence in his role as Clerk of Criminal District Court for Orleans Parish. Since assuming office in 2022, he has led significant advancements in the modernization of the court system, including the implementation of a new case management system aimed at transitioning the court to a more efficient, paperless environment.
Lombard's leadership extends beyond technological improvements. He has been instrumental in overseeing elections as the President of the Board of Election Supervisors, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process in Orleans Parish.
While challenges such as the inadvertent disposal of court records have occurred, Lombard has responded with transparency
and accountability.
Lombard's experience, commitment to innovation, and dedication to public service make him the right choice to continue leading the Clerk's office.
ASSESSOR
ERROLL G. WILLIAMS
The office of the Orleans Parish Assessor is one of the most important but least flashy positions in local government.
It requires knowledge, diligence, fairness, and a steady hand. Erroll Williams has brought those qualities to the job, and that is why The New Orleans Tribune endorses him for another term.
Williams knows the work of the Assessor’s Office inside and out. He has spent years building a reputation for professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to serving the taxpayers of this city. His role is not simply about assessing property values. It is also about ensuring equity, advocating for homeowners, and making sure that the tax burden is shared fairly across our community.
He has kept the Assessor’s Office running efficiently, embraced modernization where needed, and maintained a focus on fairness and transparency. These qualities are not always headline-grabbing, but they matter greatly in the day-to-day lives of the people of this city. At at a time when consistency and competence matter most, we see no reason to change course. Let’s keep him right where he is.
MAYOR, CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
OLIVER THOMAS
At The New Orleans Tribune, our choice to lead New Orleans as its next mayor is Oliver Thomas.
During his current term as the District E Councilmember, Thomas has been instrumental in advancing legislation that positively impacts the people of the East, the Lower Ninth Ward and all of New Orleans. We know, firsthand, that he does not allow district boundary lines to define or limit his advocacy on behalf of all the people of our city.
So now, let’s go to the elephant in the room. We know there are some who remain troubled by his past. Nearly two decades ago, Thomas was convicted of misdeeds in office. That is true. But so is this: he accepted responsibility, served his sentence, and returned to our community determined to give back. He “took his lick,” as we say, and he came home committed to working, living, and serving with integrity. In time, his consistent dedication to the people of this city earned him not just forgiveness, but renewed trust. That is why, four years ago, the people of District E elected him to the City Council. Since then, Thomas has demonstrated compassion, experience, and vision that qualifies him to be mayor. He has always had a heart for the people, and we believe he would bring that same heart, coupled with hard-earned wisdom, to City Hall.
Of course, this mayor’s race is not without another qualified candidate. We wholeheartedly acknowledge that State Senator Royce Duplessis. Royce has served admirably in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the state Senate. He is thoughtful, capable, and without question, prepared to lead. We like Royce, and we respect the work he has done. But timing matters in politics. He entered this mayor’s race late after earlier announcing that he would not run. By then, our deliberations had already narrowed to a choice between Oliver Thomas and Arthur Hunter. We had given Oliver our nod and our word. We stand by it.
The greater issue is what cannot happen on October 11. Helena Moreno — whose politics we do not believe reflect the best interests of Black New Orleans — must NOT secure an outright victory in the primary. That would be disastrous for our community.
So, we call upon the people of this city —especially those who care about equity, about justice, about real change—to go to the polls. Do not sit this one out. The stakes are far too high. We must protect and preserve our agency as a community.
For us, that means casting a ballot for Oliver Thomas. He has proven that redemption is possible, that leadership can grow from lessons learned, and that his commitment to the people of New Orleans is unwavering.
CITY COUNCIL, AT-LARGE, DIV 1
MATTHEW WILLARD
The New Orleans Tribune endorses Matthew Willard for City Council At-Large, Division 1. The At-Large, Division 1 race for
New Orleans City Council presents voters with a strong field, including two current state lawmakers who have both demonstrated competence and dedication to public service. Quite frankly, we believe either one could serve the city well in this role.
In considering who is best positioned to take on the broader citywide responsibility of an At-Large Councilmember, however, we find ourselves aligned with Matthew Willard. Willard has already proven that he is prepared and able to deliver for the people of New Orleans. His tenure in the Louisiana House has been marked by thoughtful leadership, responsiveness, and a clear willingness to put community needs first.
Willard brings to this race both energy and experience. He has already distinguished himself as a capable legislator who understands the challenges New Orleans faces and who is committed to addressing them with focus and diligence. His work in the legislature reflects not only a readiness to lead but also a deep understanding of service as a calling, not just a position.
That said, we also believe that Delisha Boyd has been effective in the Louisiana House of Representatives, and that her continued presence there is important. Her voice in Baton Rouge has mattered for her constituents, and we are confident that if she remains in that seat, she will continue to deliver vital resources and services.
As voters, we must think strategically about how best to maximize the talent we have representing New Orleans. By electing Willard to the Council while Boyd continues her effective service in the State House, our city stands to benefit doubly.
CITY COUNCIL, AT-LARGE. DIV 2
GREGORY MANNING
The New Orleans Tribune endorses Gregory Manning for City Council At-Large, Division 2. For too long, the incumbent candidate J.P. Morrell has wielded his position on the City Council to serve narrow interests and obstruct the proper functioning of local government. From the moment he assumed his at-large seat, he worked to weaken executive authority in City Hall and micromanage the balance between branches. Do not allow Morrell and his Council compadre Helena Moreno to fool you. None of their so-called accomplishments of the last four years served the people of this city. They engaged in petty political posturing and power plays for their own personal agendas. He does not deserve another term.
When we examine the field of candidates in Division 2, one name rises above the rest: Gregory Manning. He brings the transparency, honesty, focus, diligence, and true heart for service that this city needs. Manning is not a novice. He has been a community servant for years—with boots on the ground efforts through Justice and Beyond and other advocacy work. His record shows he is not afraid to put his body—and his reputation—on the line for the people.
In 2019, Manning was arrested in Baton Rouge while peacefully protesting petrochemical expansion in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” demanding accountability from industrial actors and standing in solidarity with impacted communities. That kind of courage is rare in our politics. It signals he will not shrink from confrontation when necessary and will stand with marginalized neighborhoods even when it’s unpopular.
We urge every voter in New Orleans: in the At-Large Division 2 race, cast your vote for Greg Manning. This is not just about replacing one councilmember with another—it’s about changing how the Council operates, restoring balance, and giving power back to the people. Greg Manning deserves your support. Empower him to carry New Orleans forward.
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A
HOLLY FRIEDMAN
In the open race for District A, Holly Friedman stands out as a candidate who combines deep local roots with a proven record of public service. A 30-year resident of the district, Friedman has dedicated over a decade to civic engagement, including roles as Constituent Services Director and Campaign Manager for Councilmember Joe Giarrusso.
Friedman’s campaign reflects her commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance. Her platform emphasizes smarter government, safer streets, and real results—prioritizing public safety, economic development, and affordability. She is also pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Tulane University, focusing on economic development and infrastructure.
With a career dedicated to addressing the needs of New Orleans residents, Holly Friedman is well-equipped to represent District A on the City Council. Her experience, dedication, and vision for a smarter, safer New Orleans make her the right choice for this important role.
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C
FREDDIE KING
In District C, The New Orleans Tribune endorses Freddie King III for another term on the City Council. Continuity is important in government. King has built working relationships, learned the ins and outs of City Hall, and found his footing as a representative. Those experiences matter. They equip him to be more effective going forward, and they ensure that District C continues to have a voice with both the knowledge and the credibility to deliver.
We have not always agreed with every vote or every decision made by Councilmember King. That is the nature of politics—and of leadership. For example, it does not sit well with us that he prominently opposed the development of 278-units affordable housing in District C while our city is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis.
With that said, our endorsement comes with a challenge for King to be bolder and more creative in the years ahead. If a site near English Turn is not right for affordable multi-family housing, then we urge the Councilman to develop a plan of action that brings affordable housing to his district. That challenge comes from a place of confidence that he is capable of stepping up. That is why The New Orleans Tribune stands with Freddie King III.
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D
EUGENE GREEN
The Tribune endorses Eugene Green for District D Councilmember. In a political climate where others stay quiet, he has shown a willingness to speak up — particularly when his colleagues have supported measures we believe overreach and undermine executive power. He has not hesitated to push back in Council debates when he thought things were unreasonable or contrary to the public interest.
We note one practical example: when the City Council moved to place a measure before voters to amend the home-rule charter to require Council approval for mayoral appointees, Green opposed it, arguing that the Council already has the power to remove appointees once in office. His position reflected his view on balance and separation of responsibilities. Whether you agree or not, it illustrates that he weighs power carefully and stands by his convictions rather than following the crowd.
We believe a City Council member must be more than a yes-man or rubber stamp. Leadership sometimes means dissenting—and Green has done that.
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT E
JASON HUGHES OR CYNDI NGUYEN
The New Orleans Tribune issues a dual endorsement for Jason Hughes and Cyndi Nguyen for City Council, District E
The open race for District E presents voters with two strong candidates: Jason Hughes and Cyndi Nguyen. Both have demonstrated a commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the needs of New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward. The people of District E would be served well by either of the two.
Jason Hughes has served as a State Representative for Louisiana's 100th District since 2020. During his tenure, he has been an active member of several key committees, including Appropriations, Health and Welfare, and Judiciary. His legislative work reflects a focus on issues critical to New Orleans East, such as healthcare access, education, and infrastructure development. Hughes has also been a vocal advocate for equitable resource distribution and community empowerment.
Cyndi Nguyen, who previously served as a District E Councilmember, is also a capable and dedicated public servant. Her prior experience in the position has given her valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the district. With either Hughes or Nguyen, District E has the opportunity to elect a representative who understands the intricacies of local governance and has the experience and determination to drive meaningful change.
HOME RULE CHARTER CHANGE
(FAIR CHANCE AMENDMENT)
VOTE “YES”
Voting YES on New Orleans’ Fair Chance (Home Rule Charter) amendment is a common-sense step toward creating safer, stronger neighborhoods by removing arbitrary barriers that lock people out of work and housing. The change would amend Article II, Section 2-202(6) to prohibit laws that “arbitrarily and unreasonably” discriminate based on conviction history — extending protections beyond application checkboxes to hiring, contracting, and housing decisions.
Research shows that employment and stable housing dramatically reduce recidivism and improve community safety; when formerly incarcerated residents can access steady jobs and housing, they are far less likely to return to the criminal legal system.
This amendment builds on New Orleans’ “Ban the Box” progress and fills legal gaps by making conviction-history protections part of the city’s charter, not just an ordinance — giving advocates and impacted families a stronger, long-term safeguard.
Voting "yes" signals a commitment to economic inclusion: employers gain access to an expanded, motivated labor pool; families gain housing stability; and the city benefits from increased tax revenue and reduced social-service costs tied to recidivism. Local organizations and civic leaders have framed the measure as practical public-safety policy that promotes rehabilitation and growth.
Vote YES for fairness.