Jackson mayor fights for reelection amid federal bribery charges

In Jackson, Mississippi, the mayor and two other public officials were indicted for federal bribery and conspiracy charges. The indictment, which occurred in November 2022, alleges that Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens II, and Jackson City Councilman Aaron B. Banks accepted payments from individuals they believed were real estate developers seeking to build a hotel. Unbeknownst to them, these individuals worked for the FBI and captured the officials on a recorded conversation on a yacht where they negotiated the bribe. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges. As the primary elections approached in April 2023, Lumumba was seeking a third term in office against state Senator John Horhn. This election followed a previous Democratic primary in 2017, where Lumumba had won decisively against Horhn. However, in the preliminary results of the recent primary, Lumumba garnered only 17% of the votes, a significant drop from previous support, while Horhn received 48%. His rise in popularity can be attributed to his campaign promise for change, enhanced infrastructure, crime reduction, and improved community opportunities. Horhn’s recent endorsement by Mississippi U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson also elevated his candidacy. The dynamics of this election are complicated by Lumumba's indictment, which loomed over his campaign. This situation was further compounded by the significant demographic trends of Jackson, with over 80% of its population being Black and about 25% living in poverty. Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the runoff on April 25, 2023, will likely determine the next mayor, given the illustrated trends in voting and community sentiment. Many residents seem eager for change and are possibly swayed by the corruption scandal surrounding their current mayor. In the days following the primary results, Lumumba and Horhn continued to make their cases to voters, with Lumumba asserting his innocence and framing the indictment as politically motivated. He described the challenging environment of the campaign by explaining how voters have been exposed to narratives questioning his integrity and capabilities as a leader. The general election was scheduled for June 3, 2023, where the ramifications of this primary battle would play out in the community, revealing how the residents of Jackson view corruption, leadership, and their future.