City leaders across Mississippi, whether old or new faces, took office this week with inauguration events being held statewide.
Plenty of eyes were on Jackson, where longtime Democratic state Sen. John Horhn traded his desk at the state capitol for a new one a few blocks over at city hall. Over a thousand people gathered inside the Jackson Convention Complex to watch the capital city’s new mayor get sworn in and begin his first term leading the state’s most populous city.
Horhn, who glided past embattled incumbent Chokwe Antar Lumumba before winning the June 3 general election, reiterated his goals for wholesale change in a city that is battling excessive crime, blight, roadway failures, a much-maligned water system, and a perceived disconnect between the people and those in power. He said the overall goal is to create an “environment where people can flourish.”
“I believe we can turn this city around, and I know that the people are ready,” Horhn said as a loud applause roared. “I believe that they’re ready for better streets and less crime. They’re ready for better job opportunities. They’re ready for less hassle in going about their daily lives. They’re ready for change, and most of all, they’re ready for someone who is going to work with them.”
Of those in attendance for inauguration events, which also saw a slightly refreshed city council get sworn in, both Democrats and Republicans were there to welcome in the new mayor. The bipartisan support represents what looks to be a long-awaited unification around Jackson, with promises to help being extended by statewide and federal officials.
Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican with just shy of two and a half years left to serve, said the entire state needs Jackson to thrive. Under Horhn’s leadership, he believes that to be possible.
“The city of Jackson is vital to the future of Mississippi,” Reeves said. “I want everyone here to know that the state stands ready to work with Mayor Horhn and the city of Jackson.”
Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson, who Horhn called a “role model,” said he’s refreshed by the energy Horhn and his team are bringing to city hall.
“I’m pleased that we can stand as a community to commemorate this iconic event and bear witness to another beginning, a newly elected administration, a new vision, a new energy and a renewed commitment to build the city of Jackson,” he said.
Horhn’s roadmap to success includes something Thompson has previously pointed to Jackson not doing enough of during Lumumba’s eight years in office: taking advantage of federal funds.
Horhn said he’s already met with Reeves, Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, GOP members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation, and the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to discuss a team-effort philosophy that ignores party affiliation and utilizes all branches to revive the city.
“I just came back from visiting with [Thompson] and the rest of our congressional delegation in Washington last week,” Horhn explained. “The reception we got in all of their offices is, ‘We want to help Jackson. Just tell us what you need.’ Likewise, the lieutenant governor and governor are saying, ‘Hey, we want to help Jackson.’ The members of Board of Supervisors want a close relationship with our capital city.
“County, state, and federal government: If we have the help of those entities, there’s no holding Jackson back.”
Jackson suburbs see some new faces
While Jackson has been the focus for most, suburbs also held inauguration events.
Flowood swore in its third-ever mayor in Republican Kathy Smith, a former alderwoman. Clinton stayed red with Will Purdie taking over after Phil Fisher decided to retire. In Terry, independent Bruce Hopkins took office after beating incumbent Democrat Joseph Kendrick, Jr. One of the few Democratic strongholds outside the capital city is in Canton, where former alderman Tim Taylor kept the seat blue after the retirement of William Truly.
Incumbents Mary Hawkins-Butler (R) in Madison, Gene McGee (R) in Ridgeland, Walter Morrison IV (R) in Gluckstadt, Jake Windham (R) in Pearl, Butch Lee (R) in Brandon, Richard White (R) in Byram, and Les Childress (I) in Flora maintained office.
Coastal cities welcome new mayors
160 miles southeast of Jackson, Republican Hugh Keating took the oath of office on Monday in becoming the new mayor of Gulfport. Keating’s goals for the state’s second-most populous city include boosting the local economy and bolstering infrastructure.
“I know this city. I know its strengths and weaknesses. I know it’s personnel,” Keating said during an interview after winning the general election. “I’m ready to hit the ground running, and I think we can do so.”
Keating, a longtime attorney in the coastal city, replaces Republican Mayor Billy Hewes, who decided not to seek reelection after three terms.
A handful of other new mayors took office across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While former NASA executive and Republican Tim Pierce begins his run as mayor of Long Beach and Republican Kenny Torgeson as mayor of Pass Christian, a roaring applause welcomed Bobby Cox during inauguration events held Monday in Ocean Springs.
Cox, an alderman-at-large for over a decade and the owner of a local barbershop, said before his inauguration that his experience on both fronts will make him an accessible, efficient mayor.
“I do a lot of listening, and that’s the best thing to do,” he said. “[Being mayor] is going to be exciting. It’s going to be tough, but we’re ready to put the work in.”
Incumbents Casey Vaughn (I) in Gautier, Billy Knight (D) in Moss Point, Andrew “FoFo” Gilich (R) in Biloxi, Mike Favre (R) in Bay St. Louis, and Darrell Berry (I) in Wiggins kept their seats.
