Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Facing Federal Bribery Charges Trails Challenger In Mayoral Election Results

The federally indicted politician of Jackson, Mississippi, is trailing his force successful nan city’s Democratic superior runoff. 

Unofficial ballot totals show authorities Sen. John Horhn starring two-term Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba 18,493 to 6,246, according to nan metropolis clerk’s office. Although absentee votes person not yet been counted, Horhn declared triumph successful nan race. 

Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens II and Jackson City Councilman Aaron Banks are facing charges of conspiracy to perpetrate national programme bribery, honorable services ligament fraud and money laundering, nan Justice Department announced past November. All 3 person pleaded not guilty. 

An indictment alleged nan three Democrats accepted payments, including $50,000 for nan mayor’s reelection campaign, from 2 group they thought were existent property developers looking to build a edifice adjacent nan city’s downtown normal center. It turns retired they worked for nan FBI. 

‘MISSISSIPPI MUSK’: STATE AUDITOR’S MOGE REPORT FINDS $400 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT WASTE

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba speaks during a protestation astatine nan Mississippi Capitol successful Jackson, Mississippi, connected Jan. 31, 2023. (AP/Rogelio V. Solis)

"Residents person been, you know, told a communicative that should – that should springiness them each logic for america not to beryllium here, right? And we’re trying to make it clear that that’s not who we are," Lumumba said Friday, according to nan Associated Press. 

Lumumba and Horhn faced disconnected successful a Democratic mayoral superior erstwhile earlier successful 2017. In that race, Lumumba defeated Horhn outright, earning 55% of nan vote. 

The victor of this title will beforehand to nan June 3 general election. 

"People are fresh for thing different," Horhn precocious said. "They are fresh for change; they’re fresh for leadership; they’re fresh for amended streets; they’re fresh for little crime; they’re fresh for much opportunities." 

Lumumba, boy of nan precocious Republic of New Afrika leader Chokwe Lumumba, released a video connection past twelvemonth denying ever accepting a bribe and calling nan indictment a "political prosecution" intended to "destroy [his] . . . reputation." 

CAPITAL CITY DEMOCRATIC MAYOR, PROSECUTOR INDICTED IN UNDERCOVER BRIBERY STING 

Mississippi State Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, has declared triumph successful nan Democratic superior runoff. (AP/Rogelio V. Solis)

"Jackson residents, it is pinch awesome disappointment that I travel earlier you. My ineligible squad has informed maine that national prosecutors have, successful fact, indicted maine connected bribery and related charges," he said.  

"There is nary coincidence, and its timing being conscionable earlier nan upcoming mayoral race. My ineligible squad will vigorously take sides maine against these charges. Again, while I americium disappointed, I americium not deterred, truthful I inquire for your patience and your prayers during this process. Thank you." 

The 3 officials were successful a bugged room connected a yacht successful Broward County, Florida, negotiating what they believed to beryllium nan developers' payments erstwhile they were caught, according to nan section Mississippi Clarion-Ledger. 

One undercover supplier reportedly asked nan officials to move guardant a deadline for an "SOQ," aliases connection of qualifications, required for nan planned edifice development, and Lumumba reportedly went up and made a telephone call. 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba was indicted successful November 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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Another supplier past handed nan politician 5 checks worthy $50,000 total. After returning to Mississippi, nan costs were reportedly deposited successful nan mayor's run account, according to nan paper. 

Fox News Digitals’ Charles Creitz and nan Associated Press contributed to this report.