The Mississippi Link
Former two-term Mayor Harvey Johnson and City Councilman Marshand Crisler are headed for a runoff in the Jackson mayoral race.
Johnson had 8,892 votes and Crisler, 8,759 votes with 98 percent of the precincts reporting. A runoff is scheduled for May 19. The winner will face four Independents and one Republican in the June 2 general election.
Melton was out of the running in third place with 5,808 votes.
Just shortly after the polls closed Tuesday, Melton, 60, was rushed to St. Dominic Hospital. According to reports, he suffered a full cardiac arrest.
Both Crisler and Johnson asked the city to pray for the Mayor’s recovery.
The Johnson campaign plans to forge ahead. “We’re going to keep our original focus in letting the citizens of Jackson know that Harvey Johnson is the most qualified and skilled candidate,” said a communication staff person from the Johnson camp. “We are steadfast and focused on the issues of crime, neighborhoods, economic development, jobs and improving services for senior citizens and youth. So we will continue to encourage citizens to go out again and vote Harvey Johnson for mayor of the city of Jackson.”
At Crisler’s headquarters Tuesday night, Crisler told a reporter, “We’re excited in the sense that Jackson spoke with a loud resounding voice that they want change.” He wants residents throughout the city to work together to improve the capital city.
Crisler also said he is seeking the support of candidates who did not garner enough votes in the election.
Other city and area runoffs will include Ward 2 Council Seat between Chokwe Lumumba and Wydatt Hawkins; Ward 4, Incumbent Frank Bluntson and former Councilman Bo Brown; Ward 5, Incumbent Charles Tillman and Bettye Dagner-Cook; and Ward 6 Joe Lewis and Tony Yarber.
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