Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu Explores 2028 Presidential Run

Landrieu quietly tests the waters with Democratic activists, touting his record of post-disaster recovery.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:18pm

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A solitary figure of a man standing on a city street corner, surrounded by warm light and deep shadows, conceptually representing Mitch Landrieu's introspective consideration of a presidential campaign.The former mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, contemplates his political future as he explores a potential 2028 presidential run.New Orleans Today

Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans, has been quietly meeting with Democratic activists and hinting at a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Landrieu, who led the city's recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, is positioning himself as an experienced leader who can tackle major challenges.

Why it matters

Landrieu's potential run would add an experienced voice to the 2028 Democratic field, drawing on his record of guiding New Orleans through a major disaster. As a moderate Democrat, he could appeal to a wide range of voters, but would also face questions about his centrist policies.

The details

During a recent meeting with Democratic activists, Landrieu discussed his vision for the country and began laying the groundwork for a possible presidential campaign. He highlighted his tenure as mayor of New Orleans, where he oversaw the city's recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Landrieu is positioning himself as an experienced leader who can tackle major challenges facing the nation.

  • Landrieu met with Democratic activists in early 2026 to discuss a potential 2028 presidential run.

The players

Mitch Landrieu

The former mayor of New Orleans who led the city's recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina and is now exploring a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

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What they’re saying

“We grabbed our past – that was important, that told us who we are,”

— Mitch Landrieu, Former Mayor of New Orleans

What’s next

Landrieu is expected to continue meeting with Democratic activists and donors in the coming months to gauge support for a potential 2028 presidential run.

The takeaway

Mitch Landrieu's potential 2028 presidential campaign would bring an experienced voice to the Democratic field, drawing on his record of leading New Orleans through a major disaster. However, his centrist policies could face scrutiny from the party's progressive wing.