In a political reversal, State Senator Royce Duplessis has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of New Orleans, just six months after publicly stating he would not run. He holds a campaign kickoff event today.
The move is already sending shockwaves through the city’s political landscape.
“This is a bit of a bombshell,” said political analyst Dr. Silas Lee. “It’s the first time we’ve seen someone so publicly say they’re out of the conversation only to reenter the race later. It almost restarts the whole thing.”
Duplessis’ entry comes as the mayoral field had begun to solidify, with several well-known names already in the running.
Dr. Lee says the timing could reset voter expectations and shift campaign strategies.
“People were starting to get comfortable with the idea of who was running,” Lee said. “Now, with Duplessis in, it signals that anything can still happen, whether that’s new candidates announcing before the July 11th qualifying deadline, or others deciding to drop out.”
As for how Duplessis arrived at the decision, Lee says he takes the senator at his word that he was urged by the public to step in.
But he adds that the real test will come during what’s expected to be a compressed and intense campaign season, with summer heat, hurricane season, and Labor Day all acting as distractions until the race picks up full steam in the fall.
“With an October primary on the calendar, candidates are in for a sprint,” Lee said.
Whether Duplessis’ late entry gives him an edge or creates more uncertainty, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: this year's race for mayor will be one to watch.
