As the 5 p.m. Friday deadline approaches to qualify to run for municipal offices, competitive races are shaping up in both Starkville and Columbus.
Party primaries are set for April 1. The general election is June 3.
The Columbus mayor’s race stands at four candidates, with Democrats Leroy Brooks and Stephen Jones poised to meet in a primary, with independents Darren Leach and Bill Strauss awaiting the general election. Incumbent Keith Gaskin is not seeking reelection.
In Ward 1, incumbent councilwoman Ethel Stewart is poised to face challenger Tommie Smith in the Democratic primary.
Meanwhile, two other Democrats so far are challenging incumbent Democrat Joseph Mickens in Ward 2 – Laisha “Ms. She-She” O’Neal and Roderick Smith.
In Ward 4, Democrats Lavonne Harris and Marty Turner have qualified. Incumbent Pierre Beard, an independent, has not yet filed his paperwork but has said publicly he will by the deadline.
In Ward 5, Democrats Cequeila Clark, Sedrick Fenster and Gregory “Gary” Jefferson have qualified, as well as Republican Mary Jeter. The winner will replace Stephen Jones, who is running for mayor.
Three candidates so far are vying for Ward 6, with Republicans Kimberly McCarty-Davis and Jason Spears, as well as independent Donald Pope qualified. The winner will replace Jacqueline DiCicco who is not seeking reelection.
Ward 3 is the only race unopposed so far, with incumbent Republican Rusty Greene the lone qualifier.
Starkville
The mayor’s race is one of only two contested races so far in Starkville, with incumbent Democrat Lynn Spruill drawing primary challenges from Brenna Betts and Charles Yarbrough.
For Ward 7 alderman, incumbent Democrat Henry Vaughn has drawn a primary challenger in Nedra Lowery.
In Ward 5, independent William Pochop is the sole qualifier to date, as incumbent Hamp Beatty does not intend to run for reelection.
Other wards only have incumbent qualifiers with Kim Moreland (independent) in Ward 1, Sandra Sistrunk (Democrat) in Ward 2, Jeffrey Rupp (Republican) in Ward 3, Mike Brooks (Democrat) in Ward 4 and Roy A. Perkins (Democrat) in Ward 6.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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