LaToya Cantrell: New Orleans elects first woman mayor in 300-year history
'This has been the people’s campaign from day one'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New Orleans has gained its first woman mayor after voters chose LaToya Cantrell in an historic state election.
Ms Cantrell, a former city council member who worked hard to help her neighbourhood after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2010, will replace fellow Democrat mayor Mitch Landrieu.
In her victory speech, Ms Cantrell mentioned the city’s 300th anniversary and how New Orleans was "still making history".
She won 60 per cent of the vote versus her opponent, former municipal Judge Desiree Charbonnet.
“We’re focused on the future of New Orleans,” Ms Cantrell told a cheering crowd at the city’s Jazz Market. “Where everyone matters. This has been the people’s campaign from day one.”
Despite her success in tourism and economic development, Ms Cantrell still faces significant issues such as crime and problems within the agency overseeing the drinking water system and storm drainage.
During the campaign she faced allegations that she had misused a city-issued credit card for thousands of dollars worth of purchases that were not clearly for public purposes.
The money has been reimbursed.
Ms Cantrell’s victory comes amid a sweep of Democratic and progressive candidates being elected to office across the country as part of what many describe as a backlash against Donald Trump.
Recent victories include that of Danica Roem in Virginia, the first transgender woman to sit in the state’s General Assembly. She beat Republican Bob Marshall, who introduced the bathroom bill.
Also in Virginia, Chris Hurst, the former boyfriend of a woman who was shot dead at work and who proposed strong gun controls, beat Joseph Yost, who was a member of the National Rifle Association.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments