by Bob Wilkerson

For decades, groups like SOUL, BOLD, COUP, and LIFE were the most powerful names in New Orleans politics. Their endorsements could decide elections. They mailed thousands of sample ballots that voters carried to the polls. Volunteers knocked on doors, passed out ballots, and stood on busy corners with signs on Election Day.

Those days are almost gone.

The Political Landscape Has Changed

The 2025 New Orleans mayor’s race shows how much things have shifted. This is the first big citywide election in 50 years that is not controlled by these Black political groups or old political families. Voters now rely less on sample ballots and more on social media, emails, TV and radio ads, and direct contact with candidates.

Arthur Hunter vs. Royce Duplessis

Former judge Arthur Hunter was once seen as a strong candidate. But his support is stuck at only 5-10% in recent polls, and his fundraising has been weak.

Then Royce Duplessis entered the race. He pulled about 3% of the vote away from Hunter and other leading candidates. That small drop nearly ended Hunter’s campaign.

In a seismic political shift, SOUL dropped its support of Hunter. Immediately following suit, COUP and TIPS also withdrew their support of Hunter. Rumors spread that Hunter was quitting the race. He has said he is staying in for now, but his chances depend on raising more money. The big question is why did these venerated and respected old guard institutions drop their support of a major candidate before the race is really even underway? Hunter’s only chance to remain a viable candidate is to raise money. That is proving to extremely difficult during this municipal cycle. Nearly every major political office is up for grabs and the money is being spread around. Will Hunter be able to convince donors to contribute to his campaign? Are SOUL, COUP and TIPS now trying to bury Hunter’s candidacy? Why so early? Why now?

Who Has the Money?

– Helena Moreno: $883,000 raised, about $1.5 million cash on hand
– Oliver Thomas: $1 million raised, about $850,000 cash on hand
– Arthur Hunter: only about $110,000 raised, less than $200,000 left
– Royce Duplessis: $137,730 raised, about $77,000 left in the bank

Helena Moreno and Oliver Thomas have a huge financial lead. Hunter and Duplessis are far behind.

Voter Turnout Is Also Down

Voter turnout has dropped over the years. In 2002, 44.3% of voters showed up. In 2021, only 29.1% voted. These groups once drove people to the polls with their big ground games. Now, that influence is fading.

These Groups Still Matter, But Less

SOUL, BOLD, COUP, TIPS and LIFE used to control elections. They educated voters and pushed communities to vote together. They helped many Black leaders get elected. They were fundraising machines. These groups used to groom and identify up and coming candidates. And they connected them to big money donors. Political and business leaders coalesced to support the candidacy of top candidates. Thus they bridged political connections between the old and new school politicos. Voters knew the candidates were vetted and qualified. You’d never see a SOUL or LIFE candidate disqualified for not paying taxes.

But things are different now. These behind the scenes movers and shakers controlled New Orleans politics for decades. WBOK1230am radio legend, the late great Paul Beaulieu called these leaders “the Big Negroes.” If you didn’t kiss the right ring, your election chances were slim. However, those days are likely over. Back then you had some firsts to rally the community around. First black Mayor, Assessor, Senator, etc. Without historical significance to motivate the people, political interest is slipping. Look again at that chart above. Also, their contemporaries have moved away, grown older, or stopped being active. Yes! Their endorsement still matters, but it no longer guarantees a win. And it seems like nowadays these groups are not dedicated to their candidates. Hunter already lost some of his “Big Negro” support. But he still has money and a campaign infrastructure, so don’t expect him to drop out of the race now. But he’s on really thin ice.

What Does This Mean for Future Elections?

Candidates can no longer count on endorsements from these groups to win. They need to raise their own money, connect with voters directly, and run strong digital campaigns.

That Royce Duplessis, without big group support, could join late even after saying he would not run and nearly deal a death blow to a major candidate, who was endorsed by SOUL, TIPS and COUP, shows how the game has changed. New Orleans politics has entered a new era.

SOUL, BOLD, COUP, and LIFE are still around. But as many voters would say, ‘they ain’t what they used to be.’

RELATED: THE RACES ARE OFFICIAL NOW

Why This Matters to You

Endorsements used to decide who ran City Hall. Now, voters like you have more power than ever before. Don’t wait for a group to tell you how to vote. Learn about the candidates and make your own choice.

_{Bob Wilkerson is a political consultant who moved to New Orleans after Katrina. He can be reached at BWILL504@gmail.com}