Prominent Jackson businessman Gabriel Prado has endorsed state Sen. John Horhn to be the next mayor of Mississippi’s capital city.
Prado, the owner of Jackson-headquartered PraCon Global Investment Group, invests in undervalued assets and transformational companies. He most recently acquired the Drury Inn Hotel on County Line Road next to I-55 as the first Prado Hotel. He has also revitalized multiple run-down gas stations and converted them into successful Don Gabriel Market stores. Prado is also largely responsible for Topgolf coming to the Jackson metro area.
He believes Horhn, who is slated to appear in the Democratic runoff against incumbent Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba on Tuesday, April 22, is immensely qualified to run the capital city and will be a public servant who has Jackson’s best interests at heart.
“Over the past several years, Pracon Global Investment Group has proudly invested in numerous commercial properties, businesses, and projects in the city of Jackson. During that time, it has been my great privilege and honor to get to know Senator John Horhn,” Prado said. “Senator Horhn is a man of the people. He is someone who cares as much for the kids in the city’s neighborhoods as he does for the city’s business leaders.
“He will fight to bring security and prosperity to the people of Jackson, regardless of their background. I can personally testify that Senator Horhn values all people as being created equally in God’s image. Senator Horhn is a leader who serves the people.”
In a crowded Democratic primary election held two weeks ago, Horhn was close to eclipsing the 50% threshold to avoid a runoff. However, at an estimated 48.4% of the total vote, the longtime state lawmaker was sent to a runoff versus Lumumba, who garnered just under 17% of the vote.
Horhn, who serves on the Senate Tourism Committee and represents a portion of Jackson, believes it’s time for a change of leadership in the city’s highest office. As Lumumba remains wrapped up in a federal bribery scandal and is set to go to trial next summer, Horhn is hopeful that Jacksonians will let him be that change. He vows to bring accountability and transparency to the city while simultaneously accessing crucial resources from the state and federal government.
“Senator Horhn’s extensive experience, his many accomplishments, and his collaborative approach to governing make him the perfect candidate for Mayor of the City of Jackson,” Prado continued. “As the owner of many commercial properties and businesses in Jackson, and as a resident, I enthusiastically and wholeheartedly endorse Senator Horhn for mayor. I urge Jackson residents to make plans now to vote for Senator Horhn in the runoff election.”
Deepening ties to Jackson, Prado’s company recently purchased old McRae’s Department Store property on Meadowbrook Road and plans to construct Prado Lofts — an upscale living center — on the site. With a vested interest, and a large sum of cash invested into the capital city, Prado is looking to work with a leader like Horhn to further economic development in Jackson.
“I’m deeply honored to receive Gabriel Prado’s endorsement,” Horhn said. “It’s a powerful vote of confidence in our shared vision for a stronger, more prosperous Jackson community. Together, we’ll keep pushing for the progress the city of Jackson deserves.”
The winner between Horhn and Lumumba will face one Republican candidate, another race heading to a runoff after a much lower turnout, and a slate of independent candidates on Tuesday, June 3.