New Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro Jr. announced he is not seeking a third term in office.
“I have proudly devoted the past 42 years of my life to the cause of making New Orleans a safer place to live, work, raise families and visit,” Cannizzaro said Friday in a statement on the District Attorney’s website.
“But after long discussions with my wife and family, it became apparent that my interest in serving another term has waned, outweighed by a desire to spend more time with my family, especially my nine grandchildren born since I first took office. This was not an easy decision, but it is the one with which I’m most at peace.”
His decision to not seek another term as D.A. leaves three candidates vying for the job.
Those candidates are; New Orleans City Council President Jason Williams, former Orleans Parish Criminal Court judges Arthur Hunter and Keva Landrum.
Cannizzaro made the announcement just minutes before qualifying ends for the November 3rd election.
“I am proud of our achievements over 12 years in this office,” said Cannizzaro. “From repairing a tattered relationship with our city’s police department, to establishing the best Diversion Program in Louisiana, to taking more than 700 New Orleans killers off the streets and dismantling numerous street gangs, we have been steadfast in seeking justice for crime victims and improving public safety. New Orleans deserves a DA who can serve the cause of justice with such legitimacy, not be an affront to it.”
Cannizzaro continues, “It has been my great honor and privilege to be entrusted with serving this community for so long. Finally, I hope and pray that God will continue to bless the people of New Orleans.”
