New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno has been named as co-chair of presidential hopeful Senator Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) campaign in Louisiana. Moreno will serve alongside Baton Rouge State Representative Ted James.
“Kamala Harris is just the type of bold, courageous leader our country needs and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse her for President,” Moreno said. “I’m inspired by Kamala’s commitment to building coalitions and connections that unite us around priorities that America needs to work for all people, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”
Moreno has been making waves of her own in recent weeks, leading the way to condemn Louisiana’s fetal heartbeat bill banning abortion at six weeks. She also joined the New Orleans City Council in criticizing some elements of a juvenile justice initiative unveiled by Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
On the national front, Moreno has been vocal in her opposition to child detainment, saying “ICE had a role in this country, but I think ICE procedures should also be humane.”
As a co-chair of Harris’ campaign in Lousiana, Moreno can bring her feelings on these issues to a prominent candidate’s ear.
“Having Louisiana voices guiding presidential campaigns, especially this early in the contest, makes sure that our unique needs will not be forgotten,” Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman and Lousiana State Senator Karen Carter Peterson told The Advocate. “We strongly encourage Democrats to get involved with several campaigns right now and make your support known.”
In Louisiana, Democratic party candidates seeking the nomination are competing for 50 delegates in the primary scheduled for April 4, pending authorization from Governor John Bel Edwards (the previous date was March 7). In addition, the Democratic National Convention awards a 10 percent bonus in delegates to states holding their primaries in April, giving Lousiana a significant stake.
Harris, who served as a prosecutor in San Francisco and is the former attorney general of California in addition to being a Senator has already made stops in Lousiana and will be visiting again during the upcoming 2019 Essence Fest.
