US EditionHelena Moreno, city council prepare to take oaths of office
Helena Moreno begins her term facing a $222 million budget deficit and recent crises including a 2025 terrorist attack and former mayor's indictment, pledging reform and recovery.
- On Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, Helena Moreno was sworn in as mayor at the Saenger Theatre at 9 a.m., becoming New Orleans’ first Hispanic mayor as the City Council began its term.
- An Inauguration Mass at St. Louis Cathedral preceded the swearing-in and was paired with an All In For Our Culture Festival, while the Day of Service was postponed to Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 19 due to rain.
- Minutes before swearing in Moreno, Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed her, saying 'Helena, I know you will be a mayor who will lead with integrity, with courage, and with the people of New Orleans at the center of your work' and then administered the oath at the Saenger Theatre.
- Facing an estimated $222 million shortfall, Helena Moreno begins her term with immediate fiscal decisions to make, planning executive orders to reverse LaToya Cantrell policies amid acknowledged transition challenges.
- Moreno says she will prioritize rebuilding infrastructure, improving safety and efficiency, while Gov. Jeff Landry and Gov. Billy Nungesser pledged collaboration and confidence in restoring New Orleans' reputation.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Helena Moreno sworn in as New Orleans mayor under storm clouds of budget deficit, layoffs
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, center, celebrates her inauguration alongside City Council members at the Saenger Theater on Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America)Helena Moreno was sworn in as New Orleans’ 63rd mayor Monday, taking the oath of office under the artificial starry skies and amidst the pastiche neoclassical interiors of the Saenger Theatre — officially kicking off her first te…
Helena Moreno claimed the "diversity" and "openness" of the city, one that was the scene of one of Donald Trump's most vicious immigration operations last December.
Mayor Moreno takes office; vows to fulfill the will of the people
Former Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office to new mayor Helena Moreno during this morning’s swearing-in ceremony. After taking her oath, Moreno laid out her plan for the next four years.
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