News Summary
With the upcoming elections in Starkville, four candidates are vying for the mayoral position, signaling a competitive race. Incumbent Mayor Lynn Spruill seeks re-election, joined by former fire chief Charles Yarbrough, Democratic candidate Brenna Betts, and Republican Roger Bassett. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and priorities to the table as they prepare for the polls on June 3, 2025. Additionally, city council races are also shaping up, promising an engaging political landscape for Starkville’s future.
Exciting Mayoral Race Heating Up in Starkville!
Here in Starkville, elections are right around the corner, and of course, that means it’s time for some serious political action! With four candidates now in the running for the coveted mayoral position, residents can certainly expect a fiery competition.
Incumbent Mayor Spruill Returns for Round Three
The current mayor, Lynn Spruill, is back in the ring and seeking re-election for what would be her third term. A proud Starkville native, Spruill, 72, has quite the impressive background. After graduating from Mississippi State University, she took to the skies as a U.S. Naval carrier pilot and has even served as the mayor of Addison, Texas! Her experience is hard to argue with.
Despite having once intended to step away due to term limits, she has decided that the job isn’t quite finished yet. With various ongoing projects needing completion, especially those delayed due to the pesky COVID-19 pandemic, Spruill has made it clear she wants to see everything through to the end.
Former Fire Chief Charles Yarbrough Steps Up
Next up is Charles Yarbrough, a familiar face to many in Starkville as he served as the former fire chief. At 52 years old, Yarbrough has built a solid foundation of service in the community since the age of 17, starting with his military career and later transitioning to the fire department. This candidate is all about unity, sounding committed to bringing the community closer together and strengthening support for local businesses. Plus, he aims to tackle the serious issue of youth violence, making it a priority in his campaign.
Young Blood in the Race: Brenna Betts
Then there’s 25-year-old Brenna Betts, making waves as a Democratic candidate. As a computer science teacher at Starkville High School, she’s passionate about the city’s younger generation and understands the unique challenges they face. Betts envisions enhancing the quality of life for every resident and is particularly focused on improving local infrastructure. Not overlooking the importance of representation, she also believes Starkville’s political landscape should be more diverse and is on a mission for a real leadership change.
Roger Bassett Brings a Different Perspective
On the Republican side of things, we have 79-year-old Roger Bassett, who is ready to shake things up in Starkville. With a solid background in business and security, Bassett is focused on attracting more investment to the city and doing away with the bumps in the road by improving streets. He brings an experienced approach that promises to leave a mark if he wins.
Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Election Dates
The stage is set, but don’t forget—the qualifying period for these elections runs until January 31, 2025. If you’re looking to cast a ballot, save the dates! Party primaries are slated for April 1, 2025, and the general election is just a couple months later on June 3, 2025. It’s important to get involved and make your voice heard!
Incumbents and Newcomers: Alderwoman and Alderman Spots
On the side of the city council, the competition also heats up. Incumbent Kim Moreland is looking for re-election as an independent, while fellow Democrats Sandra Sistrunk, Mike Brooks, Roy A. Perkins, and Henry Vaughn are all jumping back into the race. New candidates are emerging as well, including Laurel Lynn Rowse and Tomeka Rhine vying for the Alderwoman seat in Ward 3.
And let’s not forget about James Kyle Skinner, who is taking on incumbent Jeffrey Rupp for an alderman position in Ward 3 as a Republican. Over in Ward 5, William Pochop is running unopposed, while incumbent Hamp Beatty has chosen not to seek re-election.
Starkville’s Future Awaits!
As the dust continues to settle in Starkville, one thing is clear: the upcoming elections promise to be exciting, filled with diverse voices and ideas for the community’s future. Time to stay informed and ready to support the candidates who best fit your vision for Starkville!
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Additional Resources
- Clarion-Ledger: Starkville Mayor’s Race
- WTVA: Starkville Fire Chief to Run for Mayor
- WCBI: Mayoral Race in Starkville
- Google Search: Starkville Mayor Race
- Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi
