Three Democrats have now qualified for Starkville’s mayoral race after local attorney Johnny Moore filed his qualification paperwork at City Hall Monday.
A three-way Democratic Primary between Moore, Sitel human resources recruiter Damion Poe and former Starkville Chief Administrative Officer Lynn Spruill will be held May 2, and the winner of that race could become mayor since no Republicans or independents have qualified for the race.
If a candidate fails to get more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held May 16.
Moore, 56, has practiced law in Starkville for three decades and owns Moore Law Office. He is a Mississippi State University graduate and went on to receive his law degree from the University of Mississippi.
“I believe our city is a very attractive place for economic development and by building a stronger relationship with local and national developers, we can attract local development that will grow Starkville’s job market,” Moore said in a release announcing his candidacy.
He and his wife, Karen, have four children and one grandchild. They attend First Baptist Church of Starkville.
Poe, 26, declared his candidacy Friday. A Starkville native, he also served in a human resources capacity from 2010-2016 with the Mississippi Army National Guard.
Spruill qualified as a Democrat on Jan. 3, the first day of qualification. She served as Starkville’s CAO under the administrations of Mayor Parker Wiseman and former Mayor Dan Camp. Previously, she was the mayor of Addison, Texas, from 1988-1993.
If a Republican or independent candidate emerges, the General Election will be held on June 6.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. March 3 to qualify for the municipal election.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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