Massive field of Democrats hope to become next Jackson mayor. Primary set for April 1

Twelve Democratic candidates ― a cast of strong personalities ― want to become Jackson's next mayor.

An extraordinary 19 candidates are running for Jackson's top office, including 12 Democrats, four independents and three Republicans. Their first step is the April 1 primary election. A runoff election for the primaries is set for April 22, if necessary. And with such a large field of Democrats, a runoff is very possible. To win the primary outright, a candidate needs 50% of the vote, plus one.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary, as well as four independent candidates in the June 3 general election.

In all likelihood, the winner of the Democratic primary will become Jackson's next mayor as Democrats have held the position for decades.

The Clarion Ledger contacted the 12 Democratic mayoral candidates to answer questions regarding who they are, why they decided to run for office and what their positions are on issues that face Jackson.

Below is a look at the answers, which have been edited for length, style and clarity.

David Archie

Archie did not fill out the biographical portion of the questionnaire. He previously served as a Hinds County Supervisor representing District 2 from 2019 to 2023.

Why are you running?: Leadership in this city is desperately needed.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: 

• Corruption: Immediately audit the city budget and review city contracts to identify wasteful spending and track down city tax dollars which have been appropriated questionably and/or incorrectly.
• Economic development: Revitalize Farish Street into a vibrant business hub. Establish a small business program with 1% loans repayable over 15-20 years. Create well-lit entrances to the city. Create better relationships with existing businesses to keep them in Jackson. Offer new businesses shovel-ready sites and an attractive economic base where people enjoy shopping, eating and playing.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: I already have working relationships with the state and received funding from the state while on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, including for the Fondren Parking Garage, Meadowbrook Road business development, Livingston Road, Eubank Creek and more. I will continue those relationships and build on them.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: 

• Public safety: Operation Zero Tolerance Safe City: 90-120 day State of Emergency. Hire 75-100 additional part-time police officers. Place stationary patrols in high-crime areas. Target violent crime, including murder, robbery, carjackings. Borrow military and law enforcement equipment from the State.
• Infrastructure: Seek $.5 billion from federal, state and county government to rebuild and repair.  Rebuild Public Works Department to establish a working crew with truck in each ward to fix, repair and repave potholes.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: Build a good relationship with each council member to listen and communicate effectively. Provide council members with a quarterly letter showing issues and actions in their respective wards, so that they may keep their residents in their ward informed. Attend ward meetings to listen and answer questions.

James "Blue" Butler

Butler did not respond to repeated attempts to answer Clarion Ledger election questions by publication time. He does not have a campaign website. No verifiable photo of Butler could be found.

According to Mississippi Today, Butler, 73, is a construction contractor and a lifelong resident of Jackson.

LaKeisha J. Crye

Crye, 45, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has earned several degrees including, a Bachelor's from University of Southern Mississippi and a Master's of Arts in sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice from Jackson State University. Additionally, she received a doctorate from University of Louisiana Monroe. Crye has two daughters.

Why are you running?: First and foremost, I am running to be mayor of the City of Jackson because that’s what God instructed me to do on November 9, 2024. Secondly, I am running because I believe that we as Jacksonians deserve a better quality of life.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: Jackson is in a mental health crisis in which we as a city are broken, unsafe, restless, nervous, and sad. Therefore, my priority will be to use my skills as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to transform our minds, hearts, and souls. When we transform, our city can and will transform into a beautiful, united, revived, nursed, and safeguarded place, which is the complete opposite from where we are right now. I have already comprised a taskforce of mental health professionals and religious leaders to tackle this public health issue.

Secondly, we must address crime systemically, particularly homicides. Jackson, MS has the highest homicide rate in comparison to any other city in the United States, which is unacceptable. Many of our youth are committing homicide and other forms of crime. I will use the same taskforce above to aid us in tackling this issue. My educational background in criminal justice and professional work experience in mental health has allowed me to see that many of our youth who commit crimes come from broken and dysfunctional homes in which there is poor, minimal, or no parental guidance. For this reason, it is imperative to place social workers in every community to assist in identifying and treating families who are at risk of violence.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: The first person that I attempted to contact when I entered this race was Governor Tate Reeves. I contacted Governor Reeves to request his assistance for my people in Utica, Mississippi who have been severely impacted by an ongoing water crisis. Although my primary concern was for my family and other residents in Utica, I signed the letter reflecting my candidacy for mayor of the City of Jackson. In essence, I was and still am extending an olive branch to the governor to symbolize that I come in peace not war to mend what has been broken between city and state.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Erik Erikson was a psychoanalyst who stated that in order for us to become confident and functional members of society, we must successfully navigate through eight stages of human development beginning with the first stage of Trust vs. Mistrust, which occurs during infancy. Erikson stated that if we develop trust by being consistently and appropriately fed by our caretakers during this stage, we develop a sense of safety and security. On the other hand, if our feeding is inconsistent and inappropriate, we become distrustful, fearful, and uncertain, which is the theory on which my concept of Jackson, in its current state, was built. As a city, we are broken, unsafe, restless, nervous, and sad because we have been inconsistently and inappropriately fed by city leaders, the caretakers of our city, which has led to mass mistrust throughout Jackson. Considering Erikson’s theory, when we lack trust, it is difficult for us to develop into a robust and functioning city. As mayor, it will be my honor and task to restore trust. One of the ways in which I plan to restore trust is being present, consistent, and accountable for my actions. I have hosted a series of listening sessions and have attended accountability sessions throughout my campaign, and I look forward to engaging in these same efforts and more.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: I plan to engage with the Jackson City Council in the same constructive manner that I have always taken when working collaboratively with others, especially in my role as owner and CEO of my private mental health practice, Metanoia Institute and Clinic, PLLC. I will welcome ideas at my table, especially those that serve the best interest of the people.

Delano Funches

Funches, 65, works as an attorney for his law firm Funches & Associates. He is a lifelong Jacksonian, a graduate of Jim Hill High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business management from Jackson State University. He went on to receive a law degree from Southern University Baton Rouge School of Law. He is married to his wife Joyce and has four children. He is has never served as an elected official.

Why are you running?: I am a life long resident of Jackson and am passionate about serving the constituents of Jackson.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: 

• Crime: Continuing to work with the youth and their guardians to change their minds and reduce crime.
• Infrastructure: Making the city attractive to industries by cleaning up blighted areas along with continuing to work with the youth to reduce crimes.
• Dilapidated properties: Continue to rehabilitate properties to provide affordable housing to the residents of Jackson.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: Developing relationships with local, state and federal officials through effective communication and strategic plans that will end the talk of state takeovers such as the municipal airport, the Jackson Zoo and Smith Wills Stadium.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Trusting municipal officials to put the constituents' needs first. I have been practicing law for the past 34 years. My business has been in good standing and located in the heart of Jackson for the past 34 years. I will continue to fight for the citizens of Jackson just I have been doing for the past 34 years.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: Amicably communicating with council members about working together on improving the quality of life for the City of Jackson's constituents through trust, transparency and action.

Socrates Garrett

Garrett did not respond to repeated attempts to answer Clarion Ledger election questions by publication time.

According to his campaign website, Garrett's platform is focused on improving infrastructure, lowering taxes, expanding housing across the city, economic development and prioritizing South Jackson. Garrett also wants to focus on reversing the city's population loss.

Garrett, a local contractor, is involved in several ongoing lawsuits with the city through his part-ownership in Retro Metro LLC. The legal disputes, which include a discrimination complaint, stem from the city's decision to relocate all its employees from the Metrocenter Mall and terminate the lease with Retro Metro LLC, the company renting the office space to the city.

Tim Henderson

Henderson, 54, is a a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He earned a Bachelor's in biology from Mississippi Valley State, a Master's in quality systems management from The National Graduate School of Quality Management and is pursuing a PhD in public policy and administration from Jackson State University. He has two daughters. Henderson has never served as an elected official.

Why are you running?: The issues facing Jackson are complex and require proven leadership and a deep caring for the people. I'm uniquely qualified to serve as mayor because of my decades of experience leading organizations, strategic planning, managing large budgets and developing real-world solutions to tough problems. I’m experienced in being able to identify and isolate tough challenges, while developing practical solutions. I’ve led organizations to a turn-around making things better than when I took charge. Jackson needs a leader with the broad swath of experiences I've earned over my military career. I've managed budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars.  I’ve championed efforts to "right-size" an organization to align with its core mission. I bring a wealth of experience in creating efficiencies by setting priorities, "trimming the fat", and identifying waste to create a better use of the dollars available. Through past and current community relationships, I have a unique understanding of the issues that are most important to the people of Jackson. I pledge transparency in how taxpayers’ dollars are spent so that every citizen is knowledgeable. I'm a law-and-order guy, and my military experience has taught me how to ensure safety and peace of mind that Jackson needs. I've worked tirelessly with young people and recognize the need to invest in them now to give them hope for a brighter future.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: The number one priority focus area under my administration is public safety. I’ll ensure this is a priority and work with the council to fully fund police and fire. This focus area also includes investments in programs for our most vulnerable populations: youth, seniors and persons with disabilities. A metro area violent crime task force needs to be established composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement to tackle guns, drugs and human trafficking.  

Budget shortfalls have broad implications across the city that directly affect youth activities, elderly programs and homelessness. Within the grants office, I will enact a “Non-Profit Cooperative,” which will create a collaboration-partner relationship with non-profits across the city to assist with meeting the most pressing needs, including: youth activities, elderly programs, and sheltered/unsheltered homelessness. We will create a coalition of willing organizations that truly desire to see Jackson move forward.  The Cooperative will also be the structure that enables public-private partnerships.

Infrastructure enhancements are another priority. First, I will meet with JXN Water and the One Percent Sales Tax Commission. I’d develop a memorandum of understanding that outlines responsibilities for each entity, a criticality matrix that enables scoring of the worse water, sewer, and roads, and a plan that ensures a fair, repetitive process for applying funds across the three organizations. 

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: My philosophy is to counter state takeovers with a leadership approach that is non-adversarial but more of a collective engagement approach. Jackson is the state’s capital, and everyone is welcomed into the city. Every visitor and citizen must feel safe, be provided basic services and opportunities to be part of an economically viable city. I envision partnering with the state on efforts that are mutually beneficial. We must be able to show the surrounding municipalities and the state that we are capable of managing the resources and funding we currently have within our control. I have experience working at some of the highest levels of government. The most important aspect of this issue is ensuring that city leadership is respected. I will always represent the best interest of the citizens of Jackson.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: My Jackson 2035 Vision for the city is a 10-year plan that will outline a very pragmatic approach to addressing public safety, cleanliness and infrastructure investments in the near term, while creating an environment for sustained economic growth over the long term. The Jackson I envision is a place we all are proud to call home. There’s also a conscious effort to address blight, cleanliness and homelessness. We are a city that embraces the university communities and where there’s an environment similar to most other college towns. City Hall is a place that has streamlined processes, an updated IT infrastructure that assures efficient and effective governance. The Jackson of tomorrow attracts businesses and industries that pay a livable wage creating a family environment that enables homeownership across the city. Jackson can and will be a vibrant, inclusive city that becomes the center of activity for central Mississippi and the state of Mississippi.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: The relationship between the mayor and City Council should be a partnership that allows the council members to ensure they’re able to meet the needs of their constituents. I envision a partnership with each council member that enables effective and timely communication on issues that affect their ward. Annually, I’ll also request each council member to work within their community to identify the “Top 5” priorities within their ward.  The “Top 5” will be prioritized to support a budget that ensures a city-wide approach to meeting the needs of the citizens.

James Hopkins

Hopkins did not respond to repeated attempts to answer Clarion Ledger election questions by publication time. He does not have a campaign website.

Hopkins is the founder of local nonprofit Reset Jackson, which organizes community clean-ups and youth outreach activities.

John Horhn

Horhn, 70, has served as a Mississippi State Senator representing District 26 since 1993. He has run for mayor two times in the past, losing in Jackson's 2014 and 2017 elections. He studied English literature and dramatic arts at Centre College in Kentucky, as well as studying education in community leadership at Jackson State University and Duke University. Horhn is married to his wife Lydia and has two children.

Why are you running?: It’s clear, Jackson is ready for change. Our capital city is losing thousands of people each year. The murder rate is amongst the highest in the nation. Our streets and infrastructure are crumbling, businesses are struggling, jobs have left the city and the list goes on. I’m running for mayor because Jackson is ready for a leader who can work with county, state and federal leaders to bring resources to every part of Jackson. We are ready to fix the streets, clean up the torn-up buildings, keep our neighborhoods safe and move our city forward. The city needs a leader they can trust, there is no trust in our city government right now. Above all, we need to make Jackson a place where people want to live, work, play and invest. I’ve spent the last 32 years as a state senator helping to bring millions of dollars in resources to our city. I’m ready to bring decades of experience in development, collaboration, and accountability to make life better for the people of Jackson.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: Reverse Population Loss and Grow Our City: Our city is shrinking, not growing. 60,000 people have left Jackson since 1980, one of the highest numbers of population loss in our country. In order to change this downward direction, we have to start by improving the quality of life for our residents. A reduced population puts stress on our local businesses, employers, creates vacant properties, and reduces our tax base that is needed to maintain our infrastructure and services. We have seen first-hand what the trash, safety, and water crisis did to our businesses and residents. One of the fastest ways to reverse depopulation is to prioritize ensuring those basic services are functioning at the highest level.

• Fix the streets and clean up the city: We are going to eliminate the bureaucracy and red tape that prevents us from removing abandoned properties and repairing streets. Our team is going to use a strategic approach to fixing our infrastructure and rebuilding our city by collaborating with local, state, and federal leaders. We need better data collection on what streets need to be fixed and what buildings need to be torn down.
• Unite leadership and bring resources to all parts of the city: My career has been about working together and putting differences aside. Racial and party indifferences have stalled success for the city. The city and state need to work together to be successful.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: The current relationship with the state and the mayor’s office is fractured. We have to put personal differences aside and do what is best for the people of Jackson. I have a long history of working with state and federal agencies to bring resources to our city. We need leadership that can properly manage those resources and communicate what we are doing to the public.

The risk of state takeovers comes from a lack of trust in city government to manage our assets. It’s important to prove to state leaders that we have the ability to better manage our city-owned assets. The city needs someone who will fight for the people in Jackson and protect our communities above all other interests. The people of Jackson deserve a seat at the table for how we manage our water system, airport, zoo, parks and other assets.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Population loss is our largest problem. We can’t afford to lose more people. Our administration would help the people currently living in Jackson through encouraging more business and housing investment that could help grow our population and economy. Encouraging more people to visit, work and live in our city will help support small businesses and improve properties.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: The relationship between the mayor’s office and city council is also fractured. We have to put personal differences aside and do what is best for the people of Jackson. That means having healthy collaboration and discussion with council members. We need a team building culture at City Hall.

Chokwe Antar Lumumba

Lumumba, 42, is the incumbent two-term mayor of Jackson. He is married to his wife Ebony and together they have two daughters. A graduate of Callaway High School, Lumumba also graduated from Tuskegee University and earned a law degree from Texas Southern Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He has steered the city through national events such as the Jackson Water Crisis, as well as more local ones such as 2023-2024's trash crisis. He has also taken heat for handling of those. In November 2024, Lumumba was federally indicted, pleading not guilty to bribery charges and is expected to go on trial in July 2026.

Why are you running?: I am running in order to ensure dignity and better conditions for the residents of Jackson, as well as their right to participate in the process of shaping the future of our home. My administration and campaign has always been focused on democratizing power for all Jacksonians. We seek to continue towards establishing equity and increasing the reliability of the services we provide to all residents across the city. We feel it is critical to maintain focus and momentum towards these aims for the city and its residents.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: Some of the most pressing concerns for our city center are infrastructure, public safety, economic development and blight. We intend to continue addressing these important issues through the programmatic efforts we've already worked diligently to establish, such as using allocated funds to address high-priority paving projects identified by homeowner associations in Jackson neighborhoods — after having paved more major thoroughfares than past administrations combined. Continue maintaining support for JPD with our Real-Time Command Center, continue efforts to raise salaries and provide updated equipment and addressing the root causes of crime by collaborating with community organizations and engaging our Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery; identifying and engaging more opportunities to revitalize our parks and business districts as we have done with the Planetarium, Livingston Park and Grove Park; and eliminating more blight through our establishment of Jackson’s first-ever commercial demolition budget, which has already helped us to demolish long-standing blighted properties like Casa Grande Apartments, Hotel O and Ellis Avenue hotels. We're excited to continue all of this vital work and build on the progress we've experienced.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: I will always seek an opportunity for operational unity with state leadership for the benefit of Jackson residents and our city as I've done in the past, focusing on our common ends and objectives more than our differences. I will continue to approach our interactions in the spirit of diplomacy while being cautious not to sacrifice the vision and values of the residents of Jackson in that process.  

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Economic growth is the issue that I would identify as the most critical as our ability to build and grow our economy connects to all of the other challenges that we face as a city.  We're seeking to address this both through engaging as a business-friendly city and deploying creative solutions such as launching a 52-week strategy of tourism, establishing a revolving loan fund for businesses and actively encouraging cooperative development.  We're heartened by the growth we've realized and are eager to establish more.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: I'll look forward to scheduling time to routinely meet with each council member individually to ascertain their vision for their respective communities and the priorities that exist for their ward constituents. I desire to provide a consistent space for ongoing dialogue that yields to council members being the liaisons between the city and the communities they represent.

Kourtney Christopher Paige

Paige, 55, was the youngest candidate to run for mayor of Jackson. He did so in 1993 at age 23, but lost to former mayor Harvey Johnson. He earned a degree in mass communication from Jackson State University.

Why are you running?: My vision is to become a leader that will bring results to our city in a short and fast period. One of my main ideas is to enact a four-day work period for our city employees, especially those in upper management. I also will enact a modest increase for our city employees whose job is to repair and maintain our city streets. This will happen throughout all seven wards of Jackson. It has been reported that the city did receive money to fix the roads, but I haven't heard anything about the repairs and the 700,000.00 involved as reported by the local media.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: Safety is another concern along with blight in Jackson. I've noticed a large section of the northwest where tires and trash are piled along Lindbergh, near the Veteran's Home close to Catchings Drive. I did a news report several months ago and the city did move fast, but the problems have returned as of this past Monday. This cure can be resolved with cameras and solar lighting throughout the area. I don't know if the problem is coming from outside of Jackson, but I know it has arrived on Lindbergh and Country Club Drive. Also, South and West Jackson have a great deal of abandoned and rundown properties in our city, especially McDowell Road.

Under my watch, we'll have more jobs, more population, and a sense of civic pride in our city. I know it will take the help of all of us to make this happen but I'm willing to step up and make those things happen for all of us. I will also work with Jackson Public Schools and our local churches to find solutions to help keep our youth safe and productive. These plans are amiable with everyone's help and cooperation.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: I believe in working closely with the state because we depend on it for funding from disasters and financial support. They're the backbone of our city. I'll meet with state officials and find out their plans, as well as discuss my ideas to help us move forward and not backwards. I'll listen to everyone's concerns and ideas. 

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Finally, under my watch I will push to tackle blight, Relocating the zoo to LeFleur's Bluff and a joint effort to bring more businesses to our community. Plus, I will personally meet with neighboring mayors to find out how we help reclaim Jackson and all of our neighboring suburbs.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: In regards to Jackson itself, I'll try and cut some of the fat from our budget, hoping not to increase taxes to our citizens. This will be with the help of the Jackson City Council who will have a voice on every decision we make. We elected our council because they represent all of us and they deserve respect. 

Marcus Wallace

Wallace, 55, is a graduate of Callaway High School and Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor's in Marketing. He is the former two-term mayor of Edwards, Mississippi, but was defeated in the 2021 election. Since 1996, Wallace has served as the president of construction firm M.A.C & Associates, LLC, while also owning the sports and entertainment firm The Wallace Group. He has three children.

Why are you running?:  I'm running because outside of the incumbent I'm the only candidate with mayoral experience, two terms of it. Being a former and successful mayor is exactly what Jackson needs. I really want the voters to do their research before April 1 and to not believe the hype because there is a difference between state government and local and county government. With my eight years of experience as a mayor, 27 years experience in construction and 30 years as a local humanitarian giving back in many ways to the children, elderly and homeless makes me qualified to lead this city into its new era.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: Jackson needs someone experienced as a mayor, a businessman, a contractor and with genuine passion who can bring some now-solutions from day one, who's to always put Jackson first and who's going to improve quality of life for all Jacksonians. Under my leadership, there will not be a "Black" Jackson, a "White" Jackson, but "One" Jackson. We have a lot of work to do, and the reality is that it's going to take some time to rebuild and transform our capital city but, I think there are solutions we could do instantly. Things such as a massive cleanup and beautification throughout the entire city, reduce crime by creating a part-time program, like I did in Edwards, allowing certified officers from other municipalities to come into the city and work part-time. And sign interlocal agreements with the county and state. Give jurisdiction to every local, state and federal law enforcement agency to police and patrol the city. In order to restore law and order, we must increase police presence and reduce police response time. Lastly, create a solid daily routine maintenance program.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: Under my leadership, THERE WILL BE NO DIVIDE! Regardless of personal feelings and egos, everybody should be on the same page when it comes to improving quality of life for all citizens. As Mayor of Edwards, I didn't agree with every decision the Governor, nor the Board of Supervisors made, but I understood that I was elected to serve the citizens of Edwards and if that meant putting my pride to side to do what was right and notwhat was popular or political, that's what I did.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: It's difficult to give just one thing but Jackson needs everything. Crime, infrastructure, economic development, business development, community blight, beautification and cleanup, leisure and entertainment are all major arteries that we have to get blood back pumping to. Jacksonians are resilient but they are tired.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: My experience as a former mayor will definitely be a plus in this area. We first have to make sure that we understand our roles and duties then we have to respect them. Creating work sessions and discussing ideas, issues and solutions. Valuing their ideas and opinions for their areas will be a plus. Eighty-five % of the agenda items I brought forth in Edwards were voted for. 

Albert Wilson

Wilson, 60, is a graduate of Galloway Elementary, Rowan Middle School and Wingfield High School. He earned a Bachelor's degree in computer science from Jackson State University. Wilson is married to his wife Kim and has three children and one grandchild. He is the founder of local nonprofit Genesis and Light Center. He has never served in an elected office.

Why are you running?: I'm running to restore trust, safety and prosperity in Jackson. As a lifelong resident, I've dedicated over 30 years to transforming our community through service, economic development and youth empowerment. I believe Jackson deserves leadership that delivers real results, not empty promises.

What are some of the issues you’d like to address if you are elected? How would you like to resolve those issues?: I will prioritize infrastructure, crime, education and economic development. I'll improve roads using Jackson's one percent sales tax more efficiently, expand surveillance and community policing to reduce crime, and attract new businesses through incentives and tourism revitalization. I'll also invest in education by increasing funding for after school STEAM programs, creating youth employment opportunities and strengthening partnerships with schools to support student success from early childhood to career readiness.

The city and the state of Mississippi have disagreed on many issues that face Jackson and there have been numerous state takeover attempts in recent years. How would you balance the city and state divide?: I will prioritize collaboration over conflict — building relationships with state leaders while ensuring local control remains strong. I'll implement accountability mechanisms to prevent further takeovers and prove Jackson's capability to govern itself.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Infrastructure is foundational. I'll maximize existing funds, stop wasteful spending and explore innovative materials and technologies for sustainable improvements.

How would you engage with the Jackson City Council in a constructive manner if you are elected?: By fostering mutual respect, transparency and teamwork — working together to serve the people of Jackson, not political agendas.