Meet JP Morrell
New Orleans City Council President | Councilmember At-Large, Division 2
In 2021, you elected JP Morrell to the New Orleans City Council to shake up a system that wasn’t working for everyday people. From day one, JP has brought a people-first approach to City Hall—fighting for transparency, accountability, and public investment in the things that matter most: public safety, city services, youth opportunity, and cultural preservation.
Today, JP is running for re-election to continue the progress we’ve made—and to finish the fight for a fairer, safer, and more prosperous New Orleans.
A Record of Bold, People-First Leadership
As Councilmember, JP has taken on the tough fights and delivered results that reflect the values and priorities of New Orleanians. Working closely with colleagues and community members, he has:
Passed a historic charter amendment—approved by voters—to give the Council confirmation power over mayoral appointments of key department heads, increasing transparency and accountability in city leadership
Created the City Council Recreation & Culture Fund, investing over $7 million directly into youth programs, artists, and cultural organizations every year
Established a real billing appeals process at the Sewerage & Water Board to protect ratepayers and give residents a fair voice
Held Entergy accountable and blocked it from passing storm repair costs onto customers after Hurricane Ida, and passed new laws to increase billing transparency
Cracked down on short-term rentals by removing loopholes and requiring platforms to verify that listings are legal
Funded Community Lighthouses with solar + battery power to serve residents (and save lives) during power outages
Increased transparency and oversight of city spending and contracts, preventing backdoor deals and strengthening rules around how public money is awarded and tracked
Expanded paid job programs for young people
Supported holistic juvenile defense services
A Lifetime of Service to New Orleans
JP’s commitment to service didn’t start at City Hall. A graduate of Spring Hill College and Tulane Law School, JP began his career as a public defender, advocating for those without a voice. He was elected to the Louisiana State Legislature in 2006, where he led transformative reforms, including:
A constitutional amendment to require unanimous jury verdicts in felony trials, overturning a Jim Crow-era law
A legislative package expanding protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence
Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and legislation to end the “Pink Tax,” making essential goods more affordable for women and families
Stabilizing Louisiana’s state budget as Chair of the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee, securing critical investments in higher education and healthcare
JP has never backed down from a fight when people’s lives and futures are on the line. Whether it’s confronting utilities, fixing broken systems, or protecting public dollars, JP leads with integrity, determination, and a deep belief that government should work for everyone.
Rooted in Community, Focused on the Future
JP was born and raised in the 7th Ward in Mirabeau Gardens, one of four sons in a tight-knit New Orleans family. His mother, Cynthia, was a career educator and principal of McDonough #15, and his father, Arthur, worked his way through law school while supporting his family—teaching JP the values of hard work, fairness, and service.
Before entering public office, JP was the managing partner of his family’s law firm, later expanding his practice to focus on commercial litigation. He and his wife Catherine, a pediatric oncology nurse, are raising their three children—Jude, Fiona, and Alex—in Gentilly, the same neighborhood where JP grew up.
Every step of the way, JP has kept his focus on solutions—not slogans. He believes that real change comes from working with the people of this city, not around them. And he’s committed to building a New Orleans that works better for everyone—block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood.
AWARD WINNING ADVOCATE
Alliance for Good Government “Legislator of the Year”
New Orleans Coalition “President’s Award”
New Orleans Coalition “Leadership Award”
LIFT Louisiana "RBG Award"
Urban League of Louisiana “Liberty and Justice Award”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, “National Liberty and Justice Award”
Louisiana Appleseed “Good Apple Award”
Louisiana Hospitality Industry “Friend of Hospitality Award”
Historic Tax Credit Coalition “Historic Tax Credit Champion”
Horseman Benevolent and Protection Association “Triple Crown Award”
Greater New Orleans, Inc “Appreciation Award”
Policy Institute for Children “Legislative Advocacy Award”
Louisiana Hospital Association “Legislative Champion Award”
EMERGE Louisiana “Male Ally of the Year”
Alliance for Good Government “Legislator of the Year”
Patient Access for Louisiana “Patient Champion”
Louisiana Democratic Party “Legislative Hero Award”
National Congress of Black Women “Excellent Service Award”
Innocence Project of New Orleans “Persistence Award”
Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers “President’s Award”
Louisiana Budget Project “Legislative Recognition: Expanding Earned Income Tax Project”
Louisiana SPCA “Dorothy Dorsett Brown Humanitarian Award”
Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault “Legislative Champion”
Sexual Trauma And Response (STAR) “Legislative Champion”
Childcare Association of Louisiana “Senator of the Year”
United Way of Southeast Louisiana “Legislative Champion”
Louisiana Hospital Association “Legislative Healthcare Champion”
HADASA “Advocacy Education Award”
Louisiana Counseling Association “Distinguished Legislative Service Award”
Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center “Mondale-Brooks Award”
United Way of Southeast Louisiana “Legislative Champion”
Crimestoppers “George Loker Community Service Award”
Louisiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapist “Family Advocacy Award”
Louisiana Federation for Children “Education Choice Champion”
Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault “Legislative Champion”
United Way of Southeast Louisiana “Legislative Champion”
Citizens for 1 New Orleans “Legislative Leadership Award”
Ports of Louisiana “Leadership Award”