New Orleans has a certain way of doing things. It’s a city where power isn’t just about who sits in the mayor’s office, but about who you’re eating dinner with at Galatoire’s on a Friday afternoon. When Helena Moreno stood on that stage at the Saenger Theatre on January 12, 2026, to be sworn in as the 63rd Mayor of New Orleans, the cameras weren't just on her. They were on her husband, Chris Meeks, the man now officially known as the "First Gentleman" of the Crescent City.
People always want to know: who is the person behind the powerhouse? In the case of Helena Moreno and Chris Meeks, the answer is a blend of high-stakes litigation, luxury real estate, and a decade-long political climb that started in a newsroom and ended in City Hall.
The Power Couple Dynamic
Helena Moreno isn't exactly a new face. If you lived through Hurricane Katrina, you probably remember her reporting through the storm for WDSU-TV. She’s an Emmy winner who transitioned from investigative journalism to the Louisiana State House, and then to the City Council.
But what about Meeks?
Chris Meeks—specifically Christopher A. Meeks—is a heavy hitter in the New Orleans legal and real estate world. He isn't just a "plus-one" at political fundraisers. He’s a partner at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, focusing on commercial litigation and construction law. Basically, if there’s a multi-million dollar dispute over a building project in the city, there’s a good chance he’s involved.
More Than Just a Lawyer
Interestingly, Meeks also has deep roots in the local real estate market. He’s a realtor with Talbot Realty Group, the same firm where Moreno herself has held a license. They don't just share a home in Uptown; they’ve shared a professional affiliation in one of the city's most influential industries.
It’s a lot of power in one household.
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Some people find it impressive. Others keep a close eye on it. In a city where "who you know" is the local currency, the intersection of the Mayor’s policy-making and the First Gentleman’s legal and real estate ties is something locals talk about over coffee (or stronger).
A Timeline of the Rise
How did they get here? It wasn't overnight.
- 2008: Moreno leaves her journalism career to challenge William Jefferson for Congress. She loses, but the city notices her.
- 2010: She wins a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives.
- The Middle Years: Moreno becomes a champion for women’s rights, particularly with domestic violence legislation, while Meeks builds his reputation as a "Rising Star" in the legal world.
- 2017: Moreno moves to the City Council, eventually becoming Council President.
- October 2025: She wins the mayoral primary outright with 55% of the vote.
- January 2026: The Moreno-Meeks era officially begins at City Hall.
The couple lives in Uptown New Orleans, a neighborhood known for its historic mansions and live oaks. It’s a far cry from Moreno’s early childhood in Veracruz, Mexico. She moved to the U.S. at age eight, and Spanish was her first language. That "American Story" has been a central part of her brand, but Chris Meeks provides the local, deep-seated New Orleans counterbalance. He’s a graduate of Brother Martin High School and LSU—credentials that carry serious weight in this town.
Navigating the "First Gentleman" Role
Honestly, the role of First Gentleman is still relatively new in American politics, and it's definitely new for New Orleans. Meeks has mostly kept a low profile compared to his wife's public-facing career, but his presence at her side during the recent inauguration—where former Vice President Kamala Harris presided—signaled a shift.
He’s going to be visible.
You’ve got to wonder how he’ll balance his active legal practice with the ceremonial duties of the Mayor's spouse. Most people in legal circles know him as a sharp litigator who handles insurance defense and contract disputes. Now, he’s also the guy standing next to the person who decides which contracts the city signs.
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It’s a delicate dance.
Why the Moreno-Meeks Partnership Matters Now
New Orleans is at a crossroads. The 2025 election was a referendum on the city’s future—safety, infrastructure, and basic services that actually work. Moreno campaigned on a platform of "urgency."
Within her first 48 hours in office, she signed thirteen executive orders. She’s moving fast.
Behind the scenes, the stability of her personal life with Meeks has often been cited as one of her strengths. They’ve been together through the grueling transitions from the state legislature to the council and finally to the mayoralty. Meeks has been the constant.
What People Often Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that political spouses are just "along for the ride." In this case, Chris Meeks is an established professional in his own right. He’s served as a magistrate for the City of Harahan’s regulatory court and as a judge pro tem. He knows the law. He knows how the gears of local government turn, even if he’s not the one standing at the podium.
Key things to remember about Chris Meeks:
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- He’s a former LSU cheerleader (he and his previous wife were even captains).
- He is deeply involved in construction and commercial litigation.
- He holds a JD and a graduate diploma in Comparative Law.
- He maintains a real estate presence alongside his legal career.
Looking Forward: The First 100 Days
As Moreno tackles the NOPD’s staffing shortages and the city’s crumbling pipes, Meeks will likely continue his work in the private sector while appearing at the obligatory galas and ribbon-cuttings.
But don't expect him to just fade into the background.
The couple represents a new generation of leadership in New Orleans—one that is highly educated, professionally diverse, and deeply connected to both the traditional power structures and the evolving demographic of the city.
Actionable Takeaways for New Orleanians
If you're following this administration, here’s how to keep tabs on the Moreno-Meeks influence:
- Watch the Boards: Keep an eye on any appointments or legal firms involved in city-led construction projects to see how the administration handles potential conflicts of interest.
- Follow the Real Estate: With both having backgrounds in real estate, expect the Moreno administration to be particularly focused on housing development and land use.
- Attend Public Briefings: Moreno has promised a high level of transparency; use the city's new portal to track those thirteen executive orders.
New Orleans loves a story, and the story of Helena Moreno and Chris Meeks is just starting its most significant chapter yet. Whether they can deliver on the "bold new direction" they've promised remains to be seen, but they certainly have the combined professional horsepower to make a run at it.