By: CA Staff Writer | April 2, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Voters made their voices heard in the city’s latest municipal election held Tuesday, with results rolling in shortly after 9 p.m.
According to unofficial results, in the mayoral race, Bubba O’Keefe and Orlando W. Paden emerged as the top two vote-getters from a crowded field of seven candidates. O’Keefe led with 815 votes, followed closely by Paden with 728. Both will advance to the April run-off. Other candidates included Gregory Hoskins (335), Mark Webb (337), Bill Gresham (309), Henry Smith Jr. (264), and Charles Jones (187).
The Ward 1 Commissioner seat will also be decided in a run-off between Bo Plunk, who received 353 votes, and Ray Sykes, who earned 234. Bradford Fair received 138 votes, and Willie Dawson Jr. received 23.
The Ward 2 Commissioner seat was won outright by Commissioner Jimmy Harris, who garnered 669 votes, defeating Phillip Davis (150) and Martin Strong (101). Harris will face an Independent opponent in the General Election.
Ward 3 saw a competitive race, with Willie Turner (223 votes) and Eddie Earl (195) advancing to the run-off. Buster Moton followed closely with 182, while Crystal Hardmon received 6 votes.
In Ward 4, Linda Downing led with 282 votes and will head to a run-off with Kim Seals, who earned 210. Other candidates included Jordan Sledge (114), Frank Anthony (54), and Lekitha Y. Hill (50).
Election officials reported that approximately 250 absentee and affidavit ballots were cast citywide. Those ballots will be added to the totals on Wednesday. Final certification of votes is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8. Official results will then be submitted to the Mississippi Secretary of State.
According to officials, no major issues were reported during Tuesday’s election process.
The top two candidates will head to a Primary Run-off on Tuesday, April 22.
Democratic candidates who do not have an Independent opponent in their race will advance to the General Election uncontested. Those who do will move on to the General Election on Tuesday, June 3. Party Primary winners and General Election winners will take office on Tuesday, July 1.
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