WWL-TV in New Orleans hosted a debate with seven of the candidates in the New Orleans mayoral race. The debate focused on the future of New Orleans, reconstruction plans and efforts to date, and economic recovery. They also talked about issues of crime, health care and city management.

The candidates included New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin (D), Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu (D), Virginia Boulet (D), Rob Couhig (R), Ron Forman (D), Tom Watson (D), Peggy Wilson (R). There are a total of 22 candidates. The open primary election takes place Saturday, April 22, 2006. If no candidate received more than fifty per cent of the vote, a run-off election would be held on Saturday, May 20.