27-03-2025
Who's running in Southaven? A look at the Republican primary ballot and contested races
Southaven's Republican primary on April 1 will feature four contested races: mayor and three alderman seats.
Incumbent Mayor Darren Musselwhite faces challenger Tommy Henley. Incumbent Position 4 Alderman Joel Gallagher is challenged by Scottie Montgomery, while Incumbent Position 6 Alderman Raymond Flores will face Kevin Tackett. Timothy Putt and Judy Jenkins-Lewis are vying for Position 1 — Kristian Kelly is not seeking reelection.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. April 1. The general election will be held June 3.
No Democrats are running in Southaven, meaning the Republican primary will effectively decide who wins the seats. Four aldermen are running unopposed — George Payne (At-Large), Charlie Hoots (Position 2), William Jerome (Position 3) and John David Wheeler (Position 5).
The winners will serve four-year terms.
Here is a closer look at the four contested races on Southaven's Republican primary ballot.
Darren Musselwhite is once again running for mayor after three consecutive terms. Musselwhite touted the city's many improvements during those terms, including a $100 million investment in roadways, $50 million in parks, and doubled police funding. The debt was also reduced by $29 million since 2013, and property tax revenue grew by 118%. If reelected, Musselwhite wants to focus on the widening of I-55, DCRUA sewer redirection from Memphis and expanding the police force.
Challenging him for the mayoral seat is small business owner Tommy Henley. Henley's priorities if elected include listening directly to first responders to understand their exact needs, actively engaging with the community by being easily approachable and making Southaven "the most business-friendly city in North Mississippi" by marketing Southaven to a wide variety of businesses.
Timothy Putt is in the running for Position 1. Some concerns he aims to address if elected are repairing suburban roads and sidewalks to improve safety and increasing police presence in neighborhoods. Though retired, Putt said he and his wife, Pam, currently lead an addiction recovery group, Celebrate Recovery, at their church.
Judy Jenkins-Lewis is also on the ballot for Position 1. Jenkins-Lewis emphasized supporting law enforcement and working with code enforcement to maintain property values caused by concern over dilapidated rental properties, according to Southaven Business Beat, the Southaven Chamber of Commerce's podcast.
Joel Gallagher is the incumbent for Position 4. The lifelong Southaven resident is the owner of Gallagher Insurance Group, and has served as alderman for 12 years.
Challenging him is Scottie Montgomery. A former police officer, Montgomery has promised not to raise taxes, protecting the city by ensuring that "money is spent in the best way, and not wasted on personal preference."
Incumbent alderman of 12 years Raymond Flores promises continuing "honesty, integrity and transparency" if reelected. Flores aims to secure funding for a new sewage treatment plant, road improvements and a performing arts center, according to Southaven Business Beat.
Kevin Tackett is challenging Flores for his seat. A resident of what would become Southaven since 1977, Tackett pledges constant accessibility, accountability, and improving Southaven's roadways, according to Southaven Business Beat.
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Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering DeSoto County, as well as Dining in the Memphis area. You can reach him at
Mayor:
Darren Musselwhite
Tommy Henley
Alderman At-Large:
George Payne
Alderman Position 1:
Timothy Putt
Judy Jenkins-Lewis
Alderman Position 2:
Charlie Hoots
Alderman Position 3:
William Jerome
Alderman Position 4:
Joel Gallagher
Scottie Montgomery
Alderman Position 5:
John David Wheeler
Alderman Position 6:
Raymond Flores
Kevin Tackett
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Southaven election 2025: Who's on the Republican primary ballot?
