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.
