CANTON, Miss.–Tuesday’s Democratic primary run-offs saw some decisive victories across Mississippi. Two races News Mississippi has been following closely include the mayoral battles in Canton and Jackson.
In Canton Dr. William Truly, the charismatic incumbent, is out of the race now, being defeated soundly by businessman Arnel Bolden. That total was 61 to 39 percent. The race had been close between the two in the initial May 7 primary and some had predicted a toss up in the run-off.
Chip Matthews is the Republican candidate and Bolden faces him in the general election.
News Mississippi followed this race closely because of the improprieties reported to the Madison County DA’s office. There were also problems with a stuck voting machine that was jammed with a ballot from the 2012 presidential election in the May 7 race.
In the capital city, Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba defeated Jonathan Lee for the Democratic nomination. The total, though not certified and unofficial, was about 54 to 46 percent.
Lumumba got a boost after a TV debate last week and Congressman Bennie Thompson took to the airwaves on some local urban radio stations to stump for Lumumba.
Though he is the likely winner, he still faces three independent challengers in the general election.
Lumumba Tweeted out this statement shortly after it became apparent he was the winner:
