KEY TAKEAWAYS: Helena Moreno sworn in Jan. 12 at the Saenger Theater Former Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath Moreno is the first Hispanic mayor of New Orleans State leaders pledged cooperation with the new administration   New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno was sworn into office Monday morning riding a wave of expectations to lead Louisiana’s international city out of a tumultuous period of tragedy and political chaos. “Good things are coming; I can feel it,” said Moreno, a Democrat, during a weekend of inauguration events that culminated with her swearing in Jan. 12 at the Saenger Theater. “This is a celebration of our city.” Moreno was sworn in by former Vice President Kamala Harris. Moreno, 48, takes office with the city still mourning the 14 lives lost in the New Year’s Day 2025 terrorist attack on Bourbon Street and paralyzed by the federal indictment of former Mayor LaToya Cantrell on corruption charges. “She brings a new sense of hope that has been missing,” New Orleanian Robbin Murray said Jan. 11 during a culture festival in Lafayette Square that featured Mardi Gras Indians, dancing Nola Lolas decked out in flamingo fan feathers and Zydeco music. That was followed by an inauguration Mass at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square Sunday night before Monday’s swearing in ceremony. “The city needs this,” Murray said as Moreno navigated the Lafayette Square crowd with hugs and selfies. “She represents us all; not just a select group.” Moreno, the first Hispanic person to lead the city, takes office after serving on the City Council and before that as a representative in the Louisiana Legislature. She was born in Xalapa, Mexico, grew up in Houston and attended journalism school at SMU in Dallas. Moreno became a familiar face in New Orleans after moving here in 2001 as a TV news reporter and anchor. She was part of the WDSU-TV team that won an Emmy for Hurricane Katrina coverage. “Every step I’ve taken has prepared me for this moment,” Moreno has repeated during the campaign and after her Oct. 11, 2025 election. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry pledged collaboration with Moreno as she begins her administration. “New Orleans is a special city that deserves strong leadership,” Landry said in a text statement to USA Today Network. “Our administration has worked closely with city leaders, and I look forward to continuing that partnership with Mayor Moreno. “We share a commitment to accountability, public safety and strong collaboration between the city and the state as we work together to move New Orleans and Louisiana forward.” Republican Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the state’s top tourism official, told USA Today Network he believes Moreno can restore New Orleans’ image after he described the city “just limping along” under the Cantrell administration. “I have confidence that New Orleans’ reputation as an international tourism destination for unique culture, food and entertainment with thrive under her leadership,” Nungesser said. Moreno emphasized that message in a video for USA Today Network. “I hope those of you who don’t live here come and visit because we want you here, we’re ready to host and we’re open for business,” she said. Clancy DuBos, a retired New Orleans columnist and TV political analyst, said Moreno brings confidence and competence to the office. “I’ve known Helena since she came to the city as a journalist and she has succeeded at everything she has done,” DuBos said. “I sense a real feeling of optimism that has been missing here for a long time.” Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno brings ‘hope’ after turmoil Reporting by Greg Hilburn, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less