The fight to lead the First City Court of New Orleans has narrowed down to two contenders as the city prepares to turn the page on a decades-long era. Longtime Constable Lambert Boissiere Jr., 83, recently announced his retirement from a position he has held since 2005, having previously succeeded his own son. This vacancy opens the door for a high-stakes battle between Kristi Boissiere August, the retiring constable’s cousin and current second-in-command, and Willie Jones, a local businessman and former sheriff’s reserve deputy.
For Kristi Boissiere August, the campaign is built on a foundation of continuity and deep institutional knowledge. With 26 years of experience inside the office, she argues that her tenure makes her uniquely qualified to manage the state’s largest constable jurisdiction, which oversees everything from evictions to court orders across the east bank. Backed by heavyweights like Mayor Helena Moreno and the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee, August aims to further modernize operations through technology while improving public education regarding civil legal matters. If victorious, she will ensure that the Boissiere family maintains its grip on the office for nearly thirty consecutive years.
Willie Jones sees things differently, framing his candidacy as a necessary break from what he describes as familial control. Drawing on his background as a minister and business owner, Jones has criticized August’s run as a product of nepotism rather than merit. He envisions an expanded role for the office that goes far beyond traditional duties, suggesting the creation of specialized divisions to combat illegal dumping and commercial blight. Jones believes that bringing an outsider’s perspective is essential to unlocking the full potential of the agency and implementing more sensitive handling of eviction processes.
As voters head to the polls this fall, they face a clear choice between experienced stability and disruptive change. While August asks citizens to look past her last name and focus on her extensive administrative record, Jones insists that it is precisely that name—and the dynasty behind it—that prevents New Orleans from seeing smarter solutions in civil law enforcement. The result will determine whether one of Louisiana’s longest-running political legacies continues or finally comes to an end.