Mississippi’s longest-serving congressman has endorsed state Sen. John Horhn to be Jackson’s next mayor.
U.S. Rep Bennie Thompson, a Democrat whose district covers a large chunk of the capital city, announced his support for Horhn over incumbent Chokwe Antar Lumumba as a runoff between the two candidates nears. The longtime federal lawmaker had espoused his support for Lumumba in the past, but changed course this time around.
Thompson explained in an emailed statement that he feels Horhn is better suited than Lumumba to address various challenges facing Jackson, including crime, aging infrastructure, public transportation, and economic development, among other obstacles the city has been encountering for decades. The congressman was also adamant that Horhn would advocate for Jackson’s cause amid ongoing efforts by the city to prevent the state from taking over Jackson-Medgar Wiley International Airport.
“I have represented parts of Jackson both as Congressman and county supervisor, and I’ve worked with mayors, from Dale Danks to Chokwe Lumumba, Sr., and Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the current mayor. Given the many challenges facing Jackson, I am convinced that John Horhn is better suited to handle these challenges,” Thompson said.
“During lengthy talks with John [Horhn], he shared his vision for the City of Jackson about crime, public safety, urban blight, housing, economic development, and transportation. He is 100% opposed to the State’s hostile takeover actions of the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.”
RELATED: Prominent Jackson businessman endorses John Horhn for mayor
Thompson’s endorsement of Horhn comes as no surprise, though the timing is interesting with the runoff election slated to take place in six days. Back in September, Thompson backhandedly criticized the Lumumba administration for not taking advantage of federal funding and resources made available to address dire needs in the city, such as roads and water infrastructure.
“I know that federal, state, and local resources, along with private investments, are required to address Jackson’s many current problems and are essential for the future long-term City of Jackson’s progress,” Thompson added. “After listening to and discussing with John, his vision and plan, I encourage the voters of Jackson to support John Horhn on April 22 in the Democratic Primary Run-off Election.”
Horhn, who serves on the Senate Tourism Committee and has represented a portion of Jackson for over three decades, believes it’s time for a change of leadership in the city’s highest office. As Lumumba remains wrapped up in a federal bribery scandal and is set to go to trial next summer, Horhn is hopeful that Jacksonians will let him be that change. He vows to bring accountability and transparency to the city while simultaneously accessing crucial resources from the state and federal government.
Lumumba, on the other hand, has consistently maintained his innocence in connection with the bribery allegations levied against him and a handful of other current and former elected officials in Jackson. The incumbent, who is seeking a third term, is running on the platform of promoting unity, preventing the state government from taking over Jackson’s schools and other municipally-run entities, and improving infrastructure.
During the April 1 Democratic primary, Horhn earned a whopping 48.4% of the vote in a crowded field of candidates vying for the city’s top post. Lumumba, who garnered just under 17% of ballots cast, was a distant second but had just enough support to get to the runoff.
The Democratic runoff on Tuesday, April 22, will determine who will face one Republican candidate, another race heading to a runoff after a much lower turnout, and a slate of independent candidates on Tuesday, June 3. With Thompson’s support, Horhn heads into the upcoming election with serious momentum.
