A number of key municipal primary races took place Tuesday on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with several surprises in the books.
Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway was defeated by Robert “Bobby” Cox in the Republican primary, meaning Cox will take the reins at city hall this summer since no Democratic or independent candidates filed to run.
Holloway was seeking a second term, but it was apparent citizens wanted a new mayor. Cox garnered nearly three-fourths of the total vote count, according to WLOX-TV, ousting the incumbent and fellow Republicans Jon E. Hitchcock and Dennis McGrevey. Cox, a native of Ocean Springs, is currently serving his 13th year as alderman-at-large in the coastal city.
“As Mayor, I promise to be accessible, transparent, and accountable,” Cox’s campaign website reads. “I will work tirelessly to build partnerships that put our community first, find solutions to our most pressing challenges, and ensure that every voice is heard and valued.”
Pass Christian residents also put their desire for a change in ink, electing alderman-at-large Kenny Torgeson with 54.4% over incumbent Jimmy Rafferty in the Republican primary. Torgeson will take his place in the mayor’s office come July as he will also run opposed in the general election.
“We need to get back to simple things like streets, gutters, and street lights — a lot of infrastructure repairs need to be done,” Torgeson said after his win. “We need to focus on the city and the citizens.”
After Long Beach Mayor George Bass announced he would not seek a third term in office, a field of four Republican hopefuls vied to take his place. Longtime school board member, former city alderman, and former NASA executive Tim Pierce won the day with a commanding 80.3% of the vote, defeating runner-up Glen Powell, who garnered 18.3%.
“I am committed to building a brighter future for our community,” Pierce stated on his campaign website. “Our city, known for its great schools and low crime rates, is an ideal place for families and retirees alike. But if we are going to continue our city’s success, we must have a plan for the future — and I have a specific one focused on bringing positive changes to Long Beach.”
In Bay St. Louis, it was the incumbent who came out on top in an overwhelming victory. Republican Mayor Mike Favre won a third term in city hall with 67.4% of the vote, defeating challenger Gary Knoblock, and will run unopposed in June’s general election.
Gulfport will have a new head honcho as current mayor Billy Hewes declined to seek a fifth term in office. On the Republican side of the aisle, Hugh Keating ran unopposed in his pursuit to keep the seat red. Democratic candidate Sonya Williams-Barnes, a former state representative, walked away with a whopping 84.3% of the vote against former NBA player turned businessman Ronnie Henderson. Williams-Barnes will look to breach the Republican stronghold in June.
Over in Biloxi, a challenge to incumbent Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s seat bore no fruit. Gilich cruised to a landslide victory over former Ku Klux Klan member Jordan Neal Gollub in the Republican primary, securing nearly 90% of the vote. Gilich will face independent Andy Linville and Libertarian Farren Santibanez.
The incumbents also held strong in Pascagoula and Moss Point. Republican Jay Willis, after earning 58.1% of the vote against challenger David Bates, held onto his role as Pascagoula’s top official. Billy Knight, a Democrat, commanded 80.1% of the ballots cast in his race against Gerald Magee. Knight will face Republican challenger Richard McBride in the general.
Runoff elections will be held on Tuesday, April 22, across the state, while the general election for municipal offices in Mississippi is slated for Tuesday, June 3.