Phi Beta Sigma’s John Horhn Elected Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi has elected State Senator John Horhn as its next mayor. Horhn, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., won Tuesday’s general election after defeating incumbent Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba in a primary runoff in April.

In the general election, Horhn faced multiple challengers, including Republican candidate Kenny Gee and independents Rodney DePriest, Zach Servis, Lillie Stewart-Robinson, and Kim Wade. His victory positions him to take over leadership in Mississippi’s capital city following a competitive campaign season.

According to his campaign website, Horhn brings over three decades of experience in the Mississippi State Senate, where he has served for 32 years representing parts of Hinds and Madison Counties in District 26. He currently serves as Chairman of the Housing Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, in addition to sitting on committees for Medicaid, Finance, Energy, Tourism, Business and Financial Institutions, and Labor.

Throughout his career, Horhn has been recognized as a strong advocate for economic development, particularly in Jackson. For 12 years, he chaired the Senate Economic Development Committee and is credited with sponsoring or helping to pass legislation authorizing more than $1 billion in projects supporting the city, including public facilities, hotels, museums, and infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer systems.

Before entering elected office, Horhn held various leadership roles in state government, including positions at the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Film Office, the Mississippi Tourism Office, and the Governor’s Office of Federal/State Programs. In the private sector, he works as a business development consultant in industries including healthcare, housing, engineering, and small business development.

His campaign priorities, as outlined on his website, include reversing population decline, improving infrastructure, boosting economic development, supporting the city workforce, enhancing public education and job opportunities, and improving public safety. He has also emphasized repairing the city’s reputation and fostering unity among Jackson’s leadership.

With his election, Horhn becomes the latest member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to hold a major municipal leadership position, continuing the organization’s long tradition of civic engagement and public service.