Joseph Bikulege

This candidate is participating in a 2025 battleground election. Click here to read more about that election.

Joseph Bikulege

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Unaffiliated

Candidate, Mayor of New Orleans

Elections and appointments

Next election

October 11, 2025

Education

High school

Shaler Area High School

Bachelor's

University of Central Florida, 1984

Personal

Birthplace

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Business operator

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Joseph Bikulege (unaffiliated) is running for election for Mayor of New Orleans in Louisiana. He is on the ballot in the primary on October 11, 2025.^[source]

Bikulege completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Joseph Bikulege was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida in 1984. His career experience includes working as a business operator, business consultant, and appointed overseer.

Bikulege has been affiliated with the following organization:

• Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Cops 2
• Bar Association Political Action Committee
• New Orleans Jazz Museum
• National Watercolor Society

2025 battleground election

See also: Mayoral election in New Orleans, Louisiana (2025)

Ballotpedia identified the October 11, 2025, nonpartisan primary as a battleground election. The summary below is from our coverage of this election, found here.

Eleven candidates are running in the nonpartisan primary for mayor of New Orleans on Oct. 11, 2025. Royce Duplessis (D), Helena Moreno (D), and Oliver Thomas (D) lead in media attention. Incumbent Mayor LaToya Cantrell (D), who was first elected in 2017, is term-limited.

According to NOLA.com’s Sophie Kasakove and James Finn, since New Orleans is a predominately Democratic city in a state with a Republican trifecta, the three leading candidates “are trying to convince voters they’re best positioned to defend the city's autonomy and traditions, while still working to show they can reach across the aisle to advance the city’s agenda in one of the country’s most conservative states and at a time when federal threats to autonomy and funding loom.”

Duplessis was first elected to represent District 5 in the Louisiana Senate in a 2022 special election. He previously represented District 93 in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022.

Duplessis said, “I have a bold vision for where New Orleans needs to go and what it will take to get us there. [...] As a parent, I want my seven-year-old daughter to inherit a city that is safe, prosperous, and equitable. For too long, we have settled for a community that survives from crisis to crisis. Our children deserve a city that thrives.”

Moreno was first elected to represent an at-large seat on the New Orleans City Council in 2017. She served as the Council’s president from 2019 to 2023, after which she became its vice president. Moreno previously represented District 93 in the state House from 2010 to 2018.

Moreno said, “Too many people are leaving New Orleans because our city doesn't work for them. But I'm ready to bring them home and keep you here. Enough of the same old ways. We do not have to settle for this. It's time for change. I have the experience and vision to make sure we have a city that works for everyone.”

Thomas was first elected to represent District E on the New Orleans City Council in 2021. He previously represented District B on the Council from 1994 to 2002 and an at-large seat from 2002 to 2007. Thomas resigned from the Council in 2007 and served 37 months in prison after pleading guilty to a federal bribery charge.

Thomas said, “As a father, former businessman, and lifelong community advocate, I bring a unique combination of lived experience and leadership. I understand how city government should work because I’ve seen it. I know what it means to serve the people, not just in title, but in action, and I’m ready to lead a New Orleans that works for everyone, with no one left behind.”

Frank Janusa (R), Joseph Bikulege (Unaffiliated), Manny Chevrolet Bruno (Unaffiliated), Russell Butler (Unaffiliated), Eileen Carter (Unaffiliated), Renada Collins (Unaffiliated), Frank Scurlock (Unaffiliated), and Richard Twiggs Jr. (Unaffiliated) are also running in the election.

Louisiana elections use the majority-vote system. All candidates compete in the same primary, and a candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to win the election outright. If no candidate does, the top two vote recipients from the primary advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliation. If necessary, the general election will take place on Nov. 15, 2025.

Elections

2025

See also: Mayoral election in New Orleans, Louisiana (2025)

Louisiana elections use the majority-vote system. All candidates compete in the same primary, and a candidate can win the election outright by receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate does, the top two vote recipients from the primary advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliation.

General election

The primary will occur on October 11, 2025. The general election will occur on October 11, 2025. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Mayor of New Orleans

The following candidates are running in the primary for Mayor of New Orleans on October 11, 2025.

		Candidate
		Royce Duplessis (D)
	Submit photo	Arthur Hunter (D) (Unofficially withdrew)
		Helena Moreno (D)
		Oliver Thomas (D)
		Frank Janusa (R)
	Submit photo	Joseph Bikulege (Unaffiliated)
		Manny Chevrolet Bruno (Unaffiliated)
		Russell Butler (Unaffiliated)
	Submit photo	Eileen Carter (Unaffiliated)
		Renada Collins (Unaffiliated)
		Frank Scurlock (Unaffiliated)
		Richard Twiggs Jr. (Unaffiliated)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Gabrielle Harris Thomas (R)
• Tyrell Morris (D)

Polls

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We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from RealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, please email us.

Election campaign finance

Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Click here to access those reports.

Endorsements

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Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Joseph Bikulege completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bikulege's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For 26 years, I have called New Orleans home.

Jazz Gala Steering Committee I spent the last four years serving on the steering committee for the Jazz Museum's annual Gala at the Mint. Animal Rescue Support Committed to animal welfare, I actively support rescue efforts and recently welcomed a new rescue pet. Public Safety Leadership I've worked with COPS2 for 18 years, including ten on the board and six as president, supporting NOPD and community safety. Outdoor Activities & Local Sports I'm passionate about fishing and support local teams—Saints and Pelicans—while anticipating new additions to our sports scene. Arts Engagement As a watercolor enthusiast, I am working to create an annual International Watercolor Festival in New Orleans to promote art appreciation and opportunities for artists. Local Business Ownership Residing in uptown, I own Le Bon Temps Roule, a fixture in New Orleans’ food, music, and entertainment for 46 years. Professional Experience Court-Appointed Receivership As a court-appointed receiver, I manage distressed businesses, coordinating with state and city agencies to resolve complex matters. Work Experience • Six years in electrical distribution (utility, construction, commercial power). • Ten years in industrial water treatment. • Six years in environmental services (wastewater, land remediation, heavy industry cleanup).

• Twenty-five years in service industry management, consulting, and receivership.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Restore the city's basic responsibilities to its citizens: addressing crime and safety, maintaining infrastructure, ensuring reliable utilities, and providing a solid foundation with support for education. Encourage the growth of existing businesses and attract new commerce to create a stronger tax base, better jobs, and higher wages for the community.
• Revise and oversee a balanced, fiscally responsible city budget.
• Develop a city agenda focused on serving, protecting, and meeting the needs of New Orleans' citizens, rather than prioritizing a political party or personal career goals.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Local taxation, affordable housing and increased housing availability, crime reduction, infrastructure improvements, reliable utilities, and a strong educational foundation.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire many people and often notice a wide range of positive character traits in individuals. Since we are all human, no one person can perfectly embody everything we aspire to be. A role model doesn’t need to be famous, political, well-known, or wealthy. Relying entirely on one individual can sometimes lead to disappointment when they show their humanity or reveal flaws. We often place unnecessary pressure or expectations on our role models that they never sought. Interestingly, we can also learn valuable lessons from poor role models or less admirable examples.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

In today's social media-driven world, a completely open and transparent administration is crucial for building public trust and enabling city governments to serve their citizens effectively. Honesty, fairness, and leading by example are essential qualities for any administrative leader. Equal opportunities should be prioritized to meet the demands of departmental leadership and foster strong inter-regulatory relationships, especially when relying on external funding and grants. Fiscal responsibility and thoughtful delegation to the most capable minds and talents are vital to address the growing challenges and duties of a city. The role is not about the individual holding the position, but about using the position to serve others' needs, focusing less on self-interest and more on the community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To serve the citizens and not oneself. Please refer to previous responses for a complete perspective on the responsibilities of this office.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A person of honesty and integrity who worked to improve the city from the moment I took responsibility. Strong, reliable, and responsible, I was known for being honest, transparent, fair, and approachable. A decent, caring human being whose traits many might admire and perhaps use as inspiration to become better themselves.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

There were many, but the one that instantly stands out from a non-family event has to be the moon landing. I was 8 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I used to be a paperboy, delivering newspapers in my community for eight years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

As a child

The Jungle Book
The Emperor's New Clothes
Stone Soup
I carried these around all the time.
As a child, I wasn’t sure why, but looking back, they all seem connected to the human element—how we perceive it, how flawed and easily misled we can be, yet also how honest and open we become when encouraged, when we learn to trust others, or when our curiosity is sparked in specific ways. We often develop unfounded fears when faced with groupthink or peer pressure. By approaching situations with openness and without preconceived notions, we can strive to become better individuals and quite often we are.

I’ve always kept copies of each on hand to this day. It’s also one of my favorite gifts for young nieces and nephews as they learn to read.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Not overthinking this, Spider-Man has always been my favorite superhero.
Sherlock Holmes always intrigued me with his problem-solving techniques and calm demeanor.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Many thoughts come to mind, especially trying to understand why so many people seem to have such apathy, even when they appear blessed or seem to be doing quite well.

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

The role of mayor is one a primarily management.

To effectively lead the city, the mayor's role must center on management excellence. The first step involves meeting with all department heads and their respective management teams to identify the root causes behind any dysfunction or operational disconnects within city government. It is essential to conduct a thoughtful assessment to determine whether challenges stem from internal issues, departmental leadership, or the broader administration.

Only after understanding the true nature of these problems can solutions be crafted intelligently. This process ensures that the right individuals are in place, occupying leadership roles that drive successful and efficient operations throughout city departments.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

One aspect I am considering is the creation of a city manager position, responsible for overseeing administrative policies and aligning them with the needs and priorities of the city council. The mayor should serve as the glue that holds the team and city together through both prosperous and challenging times. The mayor should regularly monitor each department, ensuring policies, administration goals, and citizens' needs are met. Moving the city forward into the future requires the mayor to rely on a cohesive, transparent, honest, and reliable support team.
In our city, there seems to be a dysfunctional relationship between the city council and the mayor's administration. They are often at odds, failing to meet the needs of the citizens and falling short in providing basic city services and responsibilities.

If the mayor in your city is not a member of the city council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council?

The mayor's role should involve listening to city councilmembers who represent districts and understand the needs of their areas. The mayor should then guide the council to create policies that improve the city as a whole while addressing the unique needs and interests of different neighborhoods.
Who better to inform the mayor and their administration than the representatives elected by the citizens of their respective districts?

What do you love most about your city?

It has a rich history and stands as one of the oldest cities in the nation. Over time, it has experienced changes and adapted through various eras and shifts in thinking. Despite its past and cultural diversity, the city has proven that you can preserve your identity while still evolving to embrace the mindset of modern society.

What do you perceive to be your city's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Shifting away from self-serving and political party agendas to focus on the needs of individuals in a culturally diverse city is crucial. Developing a city agenda that prioritizes the city and its people comes first. It may take time to repair the damage caused by past administrations, which have mismanaged resources and left the city struggling to meet the basic needs of its citizens.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the state government?

Maintain a reliable, transparent relationship so that in times of natural disasters, fiscal adversity, and shortfalls, there is mutual respect and an understanding that the needs of the city and state come first, rather than political interests. It is essential for the governor to acknowledge the individuality of each city and for mayors to openly and honestly present the true needs, challenges, and strengths to the governor's administration. This mutual reliance can help both the city and state work together to achieve common goals.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the federal government?

As the federal government continues to delegate more power and responsibilities to individual states, it’s crucial for both to respect and understand each other's policies and needs. Only by doing so can they rely on each other's strengths and work together as a team to build a better nation.
Understanding that political views, which vary by region and demographics, don't have to result in standoffs or division.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

With years of experience working with the police force, it's clear that a tough stance on crime is essential, alongside promoting the department's ability to achieve such goals. Appointing a superintendent who aligns with the administration's policies and direction is crucial, while also ensuring flexibility, delegation, and trust in the superintendent and officers to implement and achieve the desired outcomes.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I was assisting an elderly woman I met at a DIY store when she was trying to buy 18 inches of chain. During our conversation, as I tried to convince a store employee to cut a piece smaller than two feet, I learned more about her. She was very ill and needed to make three weekly visits to a health clinic for procedures, which required driving during heavy traffic. She mentioned how beneficial it would be for handicapped individuals to use HOV lanes, as it would reduce her travel time, help her be on time, and alleviate some of her health-related challenges. She was very open with me, and I make it a point to check in on her. Regardless of election outcomes, I plan to approach the appropriate people to advocate for this consideration.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I have many nieces and nephews in my life, some by blood and others who are the children of close friends and cousins. I've always had great relationships with them, and they often call me for help with various tasks or problems. For instance, I've set up countless computers and printers over the years! Recently, they've been asking for my paintings to decorate their apartments or homes. I take pride in being Uncle Joe.

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