Playing on his youthful enthusiasm, State Senator Royce Duplessis told an overflow crowd of family and friends that he is the mayoral candidate that can best lead New Orleans into the future. Duplessis made his remarks during his campaign kickoff Tuesday, July 1, which was held at Ashe Powerhouse Theater located in his state senate district. Duplessis was surrounded by New Orleans unique red, gold and blue flags. His signs also carried out the city’s flag theme. Several electronic signs in the theater proclaimed “This Is Our Time.”
Duplessis had said last January that he would not run because of the financial cost of the campaign and the cost to his family. Now, Duplessis explained, he was “answering a new call” because “times have changed.” Duplessis pledged he would put New Orleans families first and invest in people who already call New Orleans home. He called for the construction of thousands of affordable housing units, growing New Orleans’ economy from the inside out, and investing in the Port of New Orleans. Duplessis also presented himself as an advocate for lower homeowner’s insurance.
Tuesday night’s audience skewed Black and young with a smattering of White and older voters. Some voters present were especially taken by Duplessis’ remarks calling him ‘the man for the job.” One political leader who had already signed an affidavit for Councilmember Oliver Thomas said she was retracting it to support Duplessis. Pressure could begin mounting on Thomas and former Judge Arthur Hunter to withdraw their candidacies before qualifying which takes place next week.
Rumors abound that Mayor LaToya Cantrell is supporting Duplessis behind the scenes. Cantrell was not present at the kick-off. Although her favorability with voters has decreased significantly, Cantrell still enjoys a base of support that may or may not be transferable to Duplessis.
Among those in attendance include Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis; State Representatives Candace Newell, Alonzo Knox, and Shaun Mena; Pastor Gregory Manning who is running against Councilmember J.P. Morrell; former Sheriff Marlin Gusman; former Councilmember Renee Gill Pratt as well as young business leaders Cleveland Spears,Todd James and Erica McConduit. Several members of the New Orleans chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) were also on hand. DSA members are already active in several of the upcoming races.
At press time, Duplessis had not yet filed an official notice of candidacy with the state for the mayor’s race. His most recent annual campaign finance report shows $77,000 cash on hand. Duplessis told last night’s audience that he might not raise as much money as some of the other candidates but doesn’t need to. Duplessis also said he expects to be attacked by his opponents. “My family stands together,” concluded Duplessis.
