Lumumba, Horhn share final messages with Jackson voters ahead of April 22 runoff election
Incumbent Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and challenger Sen. John Horhn made final campaign pushes — and shared closing messages with Jackson voters — ahead of Tuesday's high-stakes Democratic mayoral runoff.
Jackson voters will head to the polls once more to choose between Lumumba and Horhn for the Democratic mayoral nomination. The winner will move on to the June 3 general election, where they'll face the Republican nominee and four Independent candidates.
The April 1 Democratic primary election saw Horhn dominate with 48.4% of the vote compared to Lumumba's 16.8%, according to the official election results certified on April 10. Horhn and Lumumba beat out 10 other Democratic candidates vying for Jackson's top office in the primary elections.
Horhn, who has run for mayor multiple times previously, fell just shy of the 50%-plus-one needed to win outright. Lumumba is seeking his third term in office.
The winner of the Democratic contest between Horhn and Lumumba will most likely become Jackson's next mayor as the city has not elected a Republican or Independent candidate to the position in decades.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m on Tuesday. Voters can find their precinct by visiting the Mississippi Secretary of State's website and entering their zip code and address.
Jackson runoff election guide: Horhn vs. Lumumba in Jackson mayoral runoff; City Council races also on April 22 ballot
Here's how Lumumba and Horhn have made their final preparations — and what their message is to Jackson voters ahead of the runoff.
Since the April 1 primary, Lumumba said he has been canvassing Jackson neighborhoods and meeting directly with residents. He said he plans to continue "engaging with residents" Tuesday as voters cast their ballots.
"My main focus has always been and continues to be talking directly with voters," Lumumba said in an email Monday. "I have had the honor and privilege to connect with Jacksonians all over the city. I have spent time visiting residents during our many neighborhood canvasses, attended neighborhood association meetings, along with many other community events. I've also had the opportunity to fellowship with residents at numerous churches."
Lumumba will host a watch party at the Ice House in Downtown Jackson after polls close at 7 p.m. It is the same venue he hosted his "State of the City Address" in October 2024.
Below is Lumumba's message to Jackson voters ahead of the runoff:
"Perhaps my main message, which is for every voter, is that this election matters. Your voice matters. People often sit out local elections when most of the decisions that affect our lives are made at the local level. Jacksonians have accomplished a lot working together. We have paved 144 streets. We have secured hundreds of millions of dollars to improve our infrastructure. This is the kind of impact I hope we will continue to make, working together."
Similar to Lumumba, Horhn said he's been canvassing around Jackson and meeting with potential voters ahead of the runoff.
"We hosted a series of events this past weekend and are spending our final hours meeting with individuals across the city," Horhn said in an email Monday.
Horhn will host his election night watch party at The Rookery in Downtown Jackson at 7:30 p.m.
Below is Horhn's message to Jackson voters ahead of the runoff:
'Tomorrow, you have the power to shape our city's future. For too long, our city has been in decline. Clear evidence of this can be seen through the thousands of people moving away from our city each year. A shrinking city creates a shrinking economy putting stress on all the citizens and businesses who stay.
Our citizens deserve better. Jackson is ready for businesses that thrive, streets that are safe, infrastructure that works, and opportunities that lift up every neighborhood. As a State Senator I've fought for Jackson, securing millions for our roads, housing, jobs, infrastructure, cultural attractions, and community programs. All of my Jackson efforts in the legislature cannot grow to their full potential without strong leadership at City Hall.
I'm ready to lead as your mayor to restore trust, accountability, transparency, and create unity. We will work together to fix short-term problems quickly while also creating long-range plans together that look into the future. I'll work tirelessly to unite our city, ensuring every voice from South Jackson, West Jackson, North Jackson, Northeast Jackson, Northwest Jackson, Downtown, Fondren, Midtown, Belhaven, Farish Street, and is heard.
Now is the time for unity and love more than ever, not division and hate. We must come together as a community no matter your race, class, religion, or background if we want a better city. To quote Dr. King, "We must all learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools."
I'm asking that all of us come together tomorrow to choose a brighter future. Let's rebuild our city and take pride in Jackson."
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Horhn, Lumumba share messages ahead of Democrats' mayoral runoff
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