On Thursday evening, the Independent Women’s Organization concluded its endorsements for the Fall 2026 elections, following two days of interviews and voting by IWO members. This week, the organization endorsed 11 candidates across the ballot on November 3, 2026. Early Voting runs October 20-27, except Sunday, October 25. To get a sole endorsement, candidates must win at least 60% of voting members present. The endorsements are as follows: Endorsed unanimously by acclamation: U.S. Representative – 1st Congressional District - Lauren Jewett U.S. Representative – 2nd Congressional District - Congressman Troy A. Carter Other endorsements: PSC District 1 - Connie Norris BESE District 1 - Angela Hershey Judge Civil District Court, Division L - State Rep. Candace Newell Judge Civil District Court, Division M - Shawn Lindsay Judge Civil District Court, Domestic Section 1 - Michael Hall Judge Criminal District Court, Section D - Judge Kimya Holmes Judge Criminal District Court, Section H - Judge Camille Buras Magistrate Magistrate Section, Criminal District Court - Judge Juana Marine Lombard Constable 1st City Court - Kristi Boissiere August
Thank you for your participation in Thursday night's endorsement forum and discussion. We voted to endorse one candidate from each of the three legislative races in the upcoming special election on February 7. I also want to thank the Endorsement Committee for a successful forum and endorsement process! With Early Voting starting in under a week, NOW is the time to put in the legwork for the candidates the Independent Women’s Organization endorsed! Polls are open 8:30 am - 6 pm daily Saturday, January 24 through Saturday, January 31 (excluding Sunday, Jan. 25) for early voting, and on Election Day, Saturday, February 7, polls are open 7 am - 8 pm. State Senate, District 3 Sidney Barthelemy State Representative, District 97 Ed Murray State Representative, District 100 Dana Henry Each of these leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to good government and to building a stronger, more inclusive future for our city, so we encourage you to help them get elected!
We hope you are enjoying this lovely fall weather and staying informed in our ever changing political climate. This edition of the AT is focused on the 11/15 runoff election and the propositions you will see on your ballot. Election Date is November 15th with Early Voting Days November 1st and November 3rd-8th. Download the Geaux Vote app to have all voting information at your fingertips, including absentee ballot deadlines, what is on your ballot, and confirmation of your and others’ voter registration status. You can also access Geaux Vote online at Elections & Voting. Go to our IWO website, https://www.iwoneworleans.org/ , for information about our endorsed candidates in the run-off elections for Criminal District Court Clerk and New Orleans Council members of District A and District E. Consider supporting these candidates with your time and money! Also On The Ballot Voters will also weigh in on three Parishwide Bond Sale Propositions and two Charter Amendment Propositions. The Bond Propositions would allow the City to sell $510 million worth of bonds in 2026. The bonds would be repaid over 30 years and the Board of Liquidation, an independent body that manages bond repayments, would set annual interest rates based on the current bond market, the city's tax base, and its credit rating. The current 14.5-mill tax is anticipated to cover the cost of repayment at least for the first year. (The language in the propositions is “...no estimated increase in the millage rate to be levied in the first year above the 14.5 mills currently being levied…) The Parishwide Bond Propositions with wording from the ballot are: Parishwide Proposition No. 1 of 3 (Affordable Housing)-$45M Bond-CC-30Yrs. Parishwide Proposition No. 2 of 3 (City Infrastructure)-$415M Bond-CC-30Yrs/ Parishwide Proposition No. 3 of 3 (Drainage & Stormwater Mgmt.)-$50M Bond-CC-30Yrs. The Charter Amendment Propositions as they will appear on the ballot are: Parishwide Home Rule Charter Amendment No1 of 2-Amends Sec. 5-404-CC. This amendment proposes to extend the deadlines for the City Planning Commission and City Council to act on the Master Plan. Parishwide Home Rule Charter Amendment No2 of 2-Amends Sec. 4-406-CC. This amendment proposes changes that provide for the independence of the City Attorney as the legal representative of the City of New Orleans and prevents the unilateral removal of the City Attorney by the Mayor in certain situations. There are neighborhood specific propositions for folks who live in Broadmoor, French Quarter, Lakewood, Spring Lake Subdivision, Tall Timbers, and Upper Audubon. Find info on them at 2025 New Orleans Election Guide or “What’s on My Ballot” on the Geaux Vote App. What Do They Mean? The Committee for a Better New Orleans’ 2025 New Orleans Election Guide offers a clear analysis of each Bond Proposition and Home Rule Charter Amendment. Its breakdown includes “What it says,” “What it means,” and “What does the city plan to do with the money?” The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR), a private, nonprofit, independent research organization, released a very thorough report on the 11/15 bond proposals. The full report, a summary and their recommendations can be accessed here . They do a deep dive into gray versus green drainage infrastructure; IRS requirements for lower cost, tax-except status on the bonds; the make-up and role of the Board of Liquidators and many other aspects of this complex issue. ANTIGRAVITY, a local monthly magazine which covers arts and politics, has published their frank, insightful analysis of everything on the 11/15 ballot. Access it here .
New Orleans' municipal primary election went off without a hitch, and the candidates endorsed by the Independent Women’s Organization this summer had an incredibly strong showing! IWO-endorsed candidates advanced or won outright in each of the 10 races . Congratulations to our outright winners, who avoided a runoff: Mayor Helena Moreno Sheriff Michelle Woodfork Assessor Errol G. Williams City Council At-Large, Division 1 Matthew Willard City Council At-Large, Division 2 J.P. Morrell City Council, District C Freddie King III City Council, District D Eugene Green
NEW ORLEANS -- On Friday evening, August 15, 2025, the Independent Women’s Organization voted on endorsements for the Fall 2025 elections, endorsing 14 candidates across 10 races on the ballot October 11, 2025. Early Voting runs September 27-October 4, except Sunday, September 28. Members of the IWO endorsed four incumbents and made four dual endorsements. The endorsements are as follows: Mayor State Sen. Royce Duplessis Councilmember Helena Moreno Sheriff Former Superintendent Michelle Woodfork Clerk, Criminal District Court Clerk Darren Lombard Assessor Assessor Errol G. Williams City Council At-Large, Division 1 State Rep. Delisha Boyd State Rep. Matthew Willard City Council At-Large, Division 2 Rev. Gregory Manning Councilmember J.P. Morrell City Council, District A Holly Friedman Aimee McCarron City Council, District C Councilmember Freddie King III City Council, District D Councilmember Eugene Green City Council, District E State Rep. Jason Hughes "The Independent Women’s Organization is proud to endorse this outstanding group of candidates whose values and vision align with our mission of advancing equality, accountability, and opportunity for women and families across New Orleans,” said IWO President Lisa Ray Diggs. “Each of these leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to good government and to building a stronger, more inclusive future for our city." "The endorsement process is always one of the most engaging and exciting parts of our work. With so many strong candidates stepping forward this year, our members had thoughtful discussions and made thoughtful choices,” said IWO Endorsement Committee Chair Demetric Mercadel. “We are pleased to endorse a broad slate of candidates who we believe will bring energy, integrity, and dedication to public service in New Orleans."
The Independent Women’s Organization’s endorsement for the upcoming election on October 14th’s primary will be issued soon. The membership is hosting its members only endorsement event Saturday, August 19th.
The Independent Women’s Organization issued endorsements for the Municipal Run Off Election on April 29, 2023.
The Independent Women’s Organization issued endorsements for the Municipal Elections on March 25th, 2023.
