Councilmember Oliver Thomas makes overnight announcement for mayoral run
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — City Councilmember Oliver Thomas has announced his run for the seat of New Orleans Mayor.
Thomas first served on the Orleans Parish City Council from 1994 to 2002. He then resigned after being convicted of bribery, serving time in a federal penitentiary until his release in 2010.
Thomas was once again elected to serve as councilmember of District E in 2021.
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Thomas is a Lower Ninth Ward native, 'born into a life rooted in hard work.' His website states that at the front of his agenda is his experiences as a servant leader, to evaluate the needs of every resident, to integrate resources, and perform his duties with his constituents' priorities.
On Tuesday, March 18, Thomas 'OT' released the announcement video where he stated:
'I see the struggles we face every day, and I refuse to accept them as normal. It shouldn't take a year to get a permit, or a week to get your trash picked up,' said. I prayed over it with my family and spent months surveying voters and meeting with them privately, from neighborhood preservationists to young entrepreneurs. I wanted to hear from them first. That's how politics here used to be – ideas bubbled up from the people.'
Councilmember Oliver Thomas
Thomas joins the race with Councilmember Helena Moreno, former police officer and judge Arthur Hunter, former OPCD Director Tyrell Morris, Counselor Ricky Twiggs, and Entrepreneur and Business Coach Renada Collins.
Election day is Nov. 15.
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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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