In a wide-open race to replace current Clarksdale mayor Chuck Espy, who is not seeking a third term, state Rep. Orlando Paden is now the favorite to become the city’s newest mayor after winning a Democratic primary runoff over Bubba O’Keefe Tuesday.
A jam-packed field of seven candidates was dwindled to Paden and O’Keefe after the pair garnered the most votes in the April 1 election. O’Keefe earned the most of the initial vote (26%) while Paden was a close second by a margin of just over one point.
In Tuesday’s runoff, Paden came away a comfortable winner, garnering 57.6% (1,728 votes) to O’Keefe’s 42.4% (1,271 votes).
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Paden, a native of Clarksdale, has run a campaign centered around improving public safety, a cleaner city, and furthering economic opportunity. He also boasted playing a hand in bringing state money to the area via his position in the House of Representatives, such as helping secure a $2 million increase in funding for Clarksdale Public Schools in fiscal year 2025, $7 million for dorm improvements at Coahoma Community College, and more.
“Together, we can build a thriving community where our economy is strong, our neighborhoods are safe and clean, our youth have a voice, and our culture is celebrated,” Paden said on his campaign website ahead of the election. “I ask for your trust and support as I step forward to serve you in a greater capacity, your next mayor.”
After the runoff loss, O’Keefe made a call for unity in the Delta city.
“We didn’t get the most votes last night, but we came out victoriously,” O’Keefe said on social media Wednesday. “We got the message out and it was and still is this: that Clarksdale can be a better place. We are a great people, and we can come together – black and white, young and old – for a mission. The mission continues on.”
Paden will now face two independent challengers, Milton Gardner and Scotty Meredith, in the general election set for Tuesday, June 3.
