U.S. Congressman Troy Carter and all of New Orleans' African American-owned newspapers – The New Orleans Tribune, The Louisiana Weekly, and New Orleans Data News Weekly – have endorsed Lesli Harris for City Council District B. The announcement comes on the heels of Gambit's endorsement of Harris, the only candidate in the race endorsed by the Democratic Party. Early voting is currently open through Nov. 6, and election day is Nov. 13.
Congressman Carter said, "Lesli Harris represents the future – not the past. She will be an agent for change on the City Council. From fighting for civil rights as an attorney to digging Loyola out of a financial crisis, Lesli is a proven leader with a record of getting things done. Deeply rooted in the community, she knows people's struggles and how to make city government have a real impact and improve their lives. For these reasons and more, I'm enthusiastically endorsing Lesli Harris for City Council District B."
All of the city's African American owned newspapers are also endorsing Lesli Harris, citing her passion and fresh ideas.
Lesli Harris is an accomplished lawyer who rose to become the second Black woman law partner at a top firm. She's fought for civil rights, championed for children through the Juvenile Law Clinic, and represented the Saints as well as local small businesses.
As the former Chief of Staff to Loyola University's first woman president, Lesli helped get the university back on solid financial footing. She was in charge of disaster preparation and management, including planning for hurricane season. When the pandemic hit, Lesli led Loyola’s COVID response. Her proven success overcoming these challenges will be critical on the City Council.
Harris is the only official candidate of the Democratic Party in this race and, in addition to Congressman Carter and the African American newspapers, has earned endorsements from the New Orleans Coalition, the Independent Women’s Organization (IWO), Gambit, Forum for Equality, District Attorney Jason Williams and many other community leaders.
