Democrats show up and show out!

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale

JA Publisher Emerita

Tuesday, June 3rd signaled the day Mississippi’s capital city confirmed it’s ready to move forward with new leadership, namely in Mayor-elect John Horhn. The lifelong Democrat has sought the top job since 2013, but 2025 was different. “Throughout this year’s election, your energy, passion, and belief in a better Jackson moved me every single day,” he said. “I ran for mayor because I’ve spent my entire life working to make Jackson a better place to live, work, and visit. I believe in our people and our potential, and I will bring the connections, the collaborative spirit, and the determination it takes to do the hard work – not just in one ward, but in every corner of our city. Let’s keep moving Jackson forward, together.”

In another historic win, Democrat Percy Bland reclaimed his position as mayor of Meridian, making this his fourth victory. He was also elected the city’s first Black mayor in 2013. “Thank you to every single one of you who voted, volunteered, knocked on doors, made calls, spread the word, and believed in our vision for a stronger, safer, and more united Meridian. Your support made this victory possible!” he said.

Canton alderman Tim Scott Taylor, another Dem, handily defeated opponents to win his bid for mayor.

Brookhaven has elected its first Black mayor in Rev. Larry Jointer. If the vote count holds up, Kosciusko will have its first Black mayor in Marvin Myles Jr. Results of a recount were unavailable before press time.

In north Mississippi,  Jimmy Stokes received the nod from Horn Lake voters to lead the now majority Democratic-led municipality. He is the conservative city’s first Black mayor.

Vaiden elected its first Black mayor,  Lesia Hemphill, an Independent.

Greenwood also has a new mayor in Kendrick D. Cox. Percy Washington was elected mayor in Lexington. In another Delta race, Orlando Paden won his bid for mayor of Clarksdale.

In a close race down to the finish line, three-term Vicksburg mayor George Flaggs, an Independent, was unseated by Democratic nominee Willis Thompson. Vicksburg is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year; it was fitting that Flaggs, a native son who endured the state’s rugged past, was able to kick off festivities earlier this year.

Democrat nominee Sonya Williams Barnes was unable to galvanize enough votes to defeat Republican Hugh Keating for mayor of Gulfport but vowed to continue to be attentive to the needs of her community.

State Representative and Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor attributed Tuesday’s victories to “a rededication to grassroots organizing in targeted communities and a growing wave of disapproval toward conservative leadership at both the state and federal levels.”

“Mississippi voters are sending a clear message – from the hills of North Mississippi to the shores of the Gulf Coast. They are rebelling against policies that hurt small businesses, squeeze the middle class, and push public education and healthcare to the brink,” Taylor said.