Mississippi primary municipal election results are in: according to election officials, turnout was “light, but expected.” Some primaries resulted in outright victories (if no opposing party is running in the general election June 6th.) Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest winners from yesterday:
BILOXI – Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will remain on the Republican ticket, even after lowering the state flag of Mississippi at city buildings last week. He faces Democrat Sugar Stallings in the general election.
BROOKHAVEN – Republican Mayor Joe Cox maintained his position and will face Democratic contender David D. “SWAC” Smith June 6.
COLUMBUS – Mayor Robert Smith defeated both his Democratic challengers in the primary, and will face Montrell Coburn in the general election.
HATTIESBURG – Mayor Johnny DuPree handily won his spot on the Democrat ticket last night. He faces Independent candidates Toby Barker and Shawn O’Hara in the general election.
HERNANDO – An upset for three-term incumbent Chip Johnson, defeated by pilot N.C. “Tom” Ferguson, Jr. With no other candidates to join the race, this was the deciding election for Hernando mayor.
JACKSON – Chokwe Antar Lumumba sprang to the lead for mayor of the capital city, despite eight others on the ticket to win the Democratic primary.
MADISON – Nine-term incumbent Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler hung on to her spot, defeating challenger Matt Armstrong.
MERIDIAN – Incumbent Percy Bland secured his spot on the ticket in the general election: he’ll face Republican William Bond Compton, Libertarian Mariner Durant and independent Dustin Markham.
SOUTHAVEN – Mayor Darren Musselwhite won his second term.
TUPELO – Mayor Jason Shelton won out in the Democratic primary.
