Endorsements for the Nov. 15, 2025 Orleans Election

City elections are not over. Competitive contests for clerk of court and district council races remain. However, even if they did not, critical property taxes are on the ballot. At a time that the City of New Orleans faces a $160 million deficit, so large that our police and firemen may not get paychecks for the last two months of the year, the least that a citizen of the city could do is go to the ballot box.

Clerk Criminal District Court: Darren Lombard

Just a few weeks ago, Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that Louisiana will purchase new voting machines which would feature both a printed public ballot as well as an electronic screen display, so each elector can witness the results of their vote – and double check the accuracy of their ballot before it is cast. That has been Darren Lombard’s tireless quest for years, to provide greater confidence in our election system through better voting machines. He lobbied his fellow clerks and the La. SOS to adopt such a system, and testified repeatedly before the Legislature to get it funded.

One-time problems with a dysfunctional evidence room no longer plague the dockets at Tulane and Broad, and information to advance judicial procedures rarely – if ever – experiences delay. Lombard has championed a new computer system that will allow every La. clerk of court office to communicate instantly – lessening the bureaucratic backload. The software comes online in just a few weeks across the entire state, thanks to his efforts.

Councilmember District A: Holly Friedman

As an aide to incumbent Joe Giarrusso, Holly Friedman grew tired of the road and construction projects which never seemed to move to completion in New Orleans. She convinced her boss to back her in getting all of the stakeholders at a particular construction site each week. She gathered representatives from S&WB, Dept. of Public Works, city permitting, contractors and other project managers. Friedman, using the councilman’s authority, would challenge them to meet goals by the same time the following week. More importantly, she gathered the same people together seven days later, to see what had been accomplished and what more needed to be done.

Friedman achieved more forward movement in road and infrastructure construction in a short period of time than almost any council member or staffer in recent memory. She wants to institute online dashboards so that the public can monitor the progress of various projects. Friedman also advocates innovative reform ideas for permitting, budget allocations, and administration. She possesses both experience as well as drive, promising a bright tenure in office.

Councilmember District E: Jason Hughes

Throughout his time in the Legislature, Hughes efforts have led to a particular focus on the revival of New Orleans East. It’s not surprising. Hughes has been the personification of a “hands-on” legislator. He took the time to personally sit on the business development board, a job usually passed off to a contributor or political underling, to find out why businesses were hesitant to invest and what resources were available to offer.

This led him to drive innovative ideas such as purchasing Lake Forest Mall and repurposing it for investors. He has consistently advocated for and sought to return retail to New Orleans East. Rep. Hughes has also yelled the loudest demanding that Lincoln Beach be reopened, and he was one of the few people willing to stand up to City Hall constantly wondering why the gates were not thrown open this summer?

Hughes can do much good if promoted to the New Orleans City Council. His focus on these quality of life needs in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward is desperately needed.

This article originally published in the November 3, 2025 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.