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Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson voters head to polls June 3 to choose next mayor. Here's who is on the ballot
In just a few days, voters in Jackson will return to the polls to elect the city's next mayor, closing out a months-long campaign that began earlier this year. The June 3 general election will be the final step after a series of primaries and runoffs that narrowed the field from the original 20 candidates who qualified. Unlike previous elections, this one will be decided by whoever gets the most votes — there will be no runoff. Incumbent Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who was pursuing a third term, was indicted on federal charges late last year but qualified to run in January, advancing to the Democratic runoff in April. Ultimately, Mississippi Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, secured a decisive victory in that runoff, positioning himself as the frontrunner for the June election. Below is a look at the candidates who will be on the ballot on June 3, as well as their recent campaign finance reports, which were due Tuesday, May 27. Information on candidates is derived from candidate questionnaires and interviews during the run-up to the election. John Horhn, 70, a longtime Mississippi State Senator representing District 26 since 1993, is the clear front-runner in Jackson's mayoral race. Horhn has run for mayor three times previously, including recent campaigns in 2014 and 2017, but has yet to win. With decades of political experience and deep ties to Jackson, he is widely expected to win the upcoming June 3 election and lead the city. Horhn studied English literature and dramatic arts at Centre College in Kentucky and pursued further education in community leadership at Jackson State University and Duke University. He is married to Lydia and has two children. Horhn's campaign centers on reversing Jackson's decades-long population decline, which has seen about 60,000 people leave since 1980. He argues that improving basic services, such as streets, safety, water and infrastructure, is key to making the city a place where people want to live, work and invest. His legislative career includes helping bring millions in state and federal resources to Jackson, a track record he pledges to continue as mayor. Horhn stresses the need to eliminate bureaucratic roadblocks to repairing streets and removing abandoned properties. Horhn also emphasizes healing the fractured relationship between city and state leadership to ensure better management of city assets and avoid future state takeover attempts. Horhn said his approach is grounded in collaboration and accountability. He promotes building trust with residents and local leaders alike. He acknowledges that the city and council must move past personal conflicts to foster a team-building culture at City Hall focused on Jackson's best interests. Horhn's experienced, pragmatic message and broad support have positioned him as the candidate most likely to become Jackson's next mayor. According to his latest submitted campaign finance report, Horhn raised $116,586 between April 15 and May 27. During that same time period, Horhn spent $93,277.88. His report shows him with $23.308.12 on hand. In total, Horhn has raised $350,030 this election and has spent $196,173.47, according to the report. Horhn received a $5,000 donation, the largest in the report, this period from four donors: the Hern Law Firm, Landfair Solutions LLC, Brian Johnson and Billy Wayne Long. He also received a $2,500 donation from a political action committee called Capitol Resources Political Action Committee, which is associated with the local lobbying firm Capitol Resources LLC. Kenneth 'Kenny' Gee, the lone Republican in Jackson's mayoral election, has been largely absent from public campaigning in recent weeks. Despite that, he remains on the ballot for the June 3 election. Gee, 38, is a former law enforcement officer and a graduate of Bailey Magnet High School. He is currently enrolled at Rasmussen University and is the father of twin sons. He has not previously held elected office. In earlier public statements, Gee said he is running to help Jackson reach its 'incredible potential,' with a focus on public safety, infrastructure and community well-being. His platform emphasizes investing in law enforcement, expanding youth mentorship and mental health programs, and revitalizing public spaces. He also voiced support for affordable housing and sustainable development. To address state-city tensions, Gee proposed forming a City-State Relations Task Force to build trust and improve cooperation on shared goals such as infrastructure and economic growth. Gee outlined a collaborative approach with the City Council, stressing data-driven policies and open dialogue. While he has not been actively campaigning, his name will appear on the ballot, and any votes cast for him will count. Gee did not submit a campaign finance report on May 27. Rodney DePriest, a former Clinton alderman and longtime Jackson resident, is running for mayor with a campaign focused on tackling violent crime and rebuilding the city's infrastructure. DePriest, 58, has lived in Jackson for more than 30 years. He's a Mississippi College graduate and previously worked in construction and banking. He served two terms on the Clinton Board of Aldermen in the 1990s. He said his run for office is driven by faith. At the center of his campaign is a group violence-intervention strategy. The goal is to bring police, faith leaders, community groups and residents together to directly engage with those responsible for most of the city's gun violence. Offenders would be warned of consequences but offered help — job training, education and social services — if they want to change. "Better Together" is DePriest's campaign slogan. His second major priority is infrastructure. He wants to work closely with JXN Water and push for a long-term plan to improve roads and traffic flow. He proposes using a pavement management system to guide repairs and maximize use of state and local funds. DePriest also says Jackson needs to improve its relationship with state leaders and, if elected, he said he'll bring a collaborative mindset to City Hall. According to his latest campaign finance report, DePriest raised $89,325 this election, spending $72,349. The report says he has $16,976 on hand. DePriest's largest donor is a Clinton-based company called HiJack LLC, an equipment rental company, according to the report. HiJack donated $10,000. DePriest also received a $6,000 donation from property management company MDMW Investments, which is based in Raymond. Multiple other businesses also donated $5,000 to DePriest's campaign. Zach Servis, a 27-year-old musician, minister and entertainment professional, is running for mayor of Jackson with a platform centered on transparency in government, public safety and city services. Though he has no prior experience in elected office, Servis said he is ready to lead with bold ideas aimed at restoring trust in city leadership. His plan starts with what he calls the 'three A's': accessibility, accountability and affordability. To improve safety, he wants to increase the Jackson Police Department's officer count to 400 and expand youth intervention programs. He also supports paving roads with longer-lasting cement, addressing potholes promptly, and syncing infrastructure repairs with JXN Water to avoid repeated street work. On government access, Servis proposes moving city council meetings to the evening, responding to residents within 24 hours, and launching a city app that would let people directly message departments. He also wants to create a public dashboard showing spending, project timelines, and performance evaluations for city staff. Servis said tackling corruption is the city's most urgent issue. He plans to bring audits up to date, launch a forensic audit of every department and make all contracts and budget records publicly available. He also wants to use AI tools to flag irregularities in city operations and record most city meetings for transparency. To repair Jackson's strained relationship with the state, Servis said the city must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and offer clear plans for managing its own assets. While opposing state takeovers, he said Jackson should collaborate with state officials on shared goals. Servis plans to meet regularly with city council members, involve them in planning before proposals reach the agenda and ensure high-quality presentations that inspire confidence and cooperation. His aim is to create a more open and responsive city government. According to his recently submitted campaign finance report, Servis has received $2,290 in contributions, while spending $1,585. His reports shows $705 on hand. A majority of Servis' campaign funds have gone towards purchasing yard signs and videography, according to the report. Lillie Stewart-Robinson, a Jackson native, ordained minister and author, is running for mayor with a campaign centered on collaboration and inclusiveness. A graduate of Lanier High School, Jackson State University and New Foundation Seminary, Stewart-Robinson has not held elected office but said it's time for change in city leadership. Her priorities include tackling youth crime, repairing infrastructure, revitalizing parks, boosting economic development and improving education. She wants to bring together a diverse group of voices — city officials, department heads, students, neighborhood leaders and state representatives — to develop strategies that address the city's most pressing challenges. Stewart-Robinson emphasizes building strong relationships, especially between the city and state. She believes open communication and mutual respect are key to resolving conflicts and securing support for Jackson. She also wants to work closely with the city council, inviting them and other stakeholders into ongoing conversations about how to improve city services and quality of life for residents. Her campaign is built on the idea that lasting solutions require everyone at the table, working together with a shared commitment to making Jackson a better, more inclusive city for all. According to her recently filed campaign finance report, Stewart-Robinson has raised $1,391. The report only shows her contributions, she does not list what she has spent campaign funds on or how much cash she has on hand. Stewart-Robinson's contributors include two donations of $65 and $50 from two individuals, as well as a $500 donation from a Carolyn Wilks. The contributions also show Stewart-Robinson gave a loan to herself for $776.40. Although still listed on the ballot, conservative radio host Kim Wade is now urging his supporters to vote for fellow candidate Rodney DePriest in the June 3 general election. Wade, known for the radio program "The Kim Wade Show," initially entered the race to challenge what he called 'mediocrity' and mismanagement in city leadership. He framed his campaign around restoring integrity and stewardship in Jackson's government, promising to stabilize city operations and improve long-term planning. Wade's platform focused heavily on raising property values and investing in education. He argued that improving schools — whether public, private or charter — would help attract new investment and development, much like large economic projects in other cities. He was critical of past mayors' handling of state-city relations, saying his administration would avoid state takeovers. To him, the root of many of Jackson's problems is a failure in leadership and basic governance. Wade did not submit a campaign finance report. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Who is running for mayor of Jackson MS on June 3 2025?
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roofers could be banned from helping customers with insurance claims
A garage of a home on Ethel Street in Lake Charles is destroyed by Hurricane Laura. (Photo by Wes Muller/LA Illuminator, Saturday Aug. 29, 2020.) Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would prohibit roofing contractors from assisting homeowners with insurance claims. It would also stop insurance adjusters from performing construction work in connection with the claims they handle. House Bill 121, sponsored by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, D-Jackson, unanimously cleared the House Committee on Insurance and goes next to the floor for consideration. The proposal is one of dozens that lawmakers have filed, with the backing of insurance companies, in an effort to try to lower coverage premiums in the state. The bill intends to prevent conflicts of interest with adjusters who are also residential contractors. It would also prohibit roofing contractors from providing, advertising or soliciting insurance claims handling services for their customers. Roofers would further have to end the use of contingency contracts in which they agree to perform work only if the homeowner's insurance company approves the cost. Adams said he hopes his measure will stop contractors from going door to door after a storm to talk homeowners into filing insurance claims for roof work. Several committee members praised the bill and asked Adams to amend it so that it applies to all types of construction contractors and subcontractors. However, several roofers testified in opposition to the proposal. Josh Lovell, a sales manager with Gator Roofing in Baton Rouge, said the bill would essentially make it illegal for him to help customers with a task they often want help with. Insurance companies will sometimes deny claims and leave homeowners unaware that they can challenge the denial or ask for a second opinion, which contractors can provide, he said. 'If we can't even talk about any of the process, then you're just giving all the power to the insurance company,' Lovell said. 'And do you trust insurance companies like that?' Johnathan Davis, a board member with the Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana, said contingency agreements and working with insurance companies are a vital part of his profession. Fortified roof grant program is proving effective in lowering homeowner insurance rates, audit finds 'I know there are good and bad companies just like every industry,' Davis said. 'I think that this would hurt everybody — not just the bad actors.' Committee Chairman Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, who works as an insurance consultant, said it's wrong for contractors to assist homeowners with insurance claims because it's not within their area of expertise. 'That is outside of what you're licensed to do,' Firment said. 'There's other avenues for the homeowner to take if there's a dispute.' There is a 'big problem' with shady contractors in the roofing industry who find damage where none actually exists, Firment added. 'I think we've got to get back to roofers being tradesmen and not salesmen,' he said. Rep. Chance Henry, R-Crowley, who owns an insurance agency, echoed Firment's statements, pointing out that homeowners can hire public adjusters to handle any disputes that might arise. Public adjusters are independent claims assessors whom policyholders can hire to represent their interests as opposed to adjusters who work on behalf of insurance companies. They typically charge homeowners a fee of around 15% of the final settled claim amount. Davis with the roofers' association challenged the lawmakers' stance, saying adjusters are experts in interpreting insurance policies but are not generally the most knowledgeable on roof construction and damage assessments. Many homeowners are hesitant to hire a public adjuster because it can be costly, usually escalates the claim and adds another layer to the process, he said. The bill's provisions are so ambiguous, according to Davis, they could make it illegal for roofers just to send damage estimates to an insurance adjuster. 'I don't want to be in court one day defending sending an … estimate to an adjuster,' he said. Lovell said he would be afraid to even say the word 'insurance' in the presence of a customer if the bill becomes law. Hearing their concerns, Firment said the bill might need to be amended to better define some provisions so roofers aren't blocked from offering some of their routine services. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
