Thursday, Jan. 2, was the first official day to qualify for the 2025 Municipal Elections across Mississippi. The final day for qualifying is Friday, Jan. 31.

Up for election in Brookhaven are the offices of mayor, and all seats on the Board of Aldermen.

As determined by final actions of the Board and Mayor Joe Cox in 2024, the Chief of Police position is now an appointed, rather than elected, one.

On Thursday, Mayor Cox announced his intentions to seek re-election. The Republican mayor stated, “After prayerful consideration, along with the support of family and friends, I am announcing my official candidacy for re-election as Mayor of Brookhaven. It has been a privilege to serve as your mayor since 2013. During that time, great accomplishments have been made to meet the needs of each ward and our city as a whole.”

The mayor’s announcement also stated: 

My continued focus, while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city, will be to ensure the progress of our community, address perpetual infrastructure necessities, maintain fiscal responsibility through sound decisions and balanced budgets, provide transparency and accountability, and promote economic development. We have more work to do, and always will, but I remain steadfast in leading our city in a cost-effective manner.

My wife, Angie, a retired teacher with Brookhaven School District, and I — a father, grandfather, and local business owner — understand the importance of strong values and a flourishing community for the livelihood of our families, small businesses, and future generations. I pledge to fulfill my duties with fairness and integrity, while being proactive in addressing the concerns of all residents and bringing viable solutions to the place we call home. 

I am asking for your prayers, support, and vote in the April 1st primary election and June 3rd general election. Allow my dedicated experience and principled leadership to continue serving you while we work together as one city, with common goals, sharing a vision for the future.

According to the City Clerk’s Office, the following people qualified as candidates on Jan. 2:

Mayor — Joe C. Cox (Rep., incumbent)

Alderman-at-Large — Jeffery Jordan (Dem.)

Ward 2 Alderman — Shannon Moore (Dem., incumbent)

Ward 3 Alderman — Rev. Charles J. Caston Sr. (Dem., incumbent); Jennifer Howard Tate (Dem.)

Ward 5 Alderman — Fletcher Grice (Rep., incumbent)

Ward 6 Alderman — Andre’ Spiller Sr. (Dem., incumbent)

As of press time, the following current aldermen had not officially announced whether they planned to seek reelection:

Alderman-at-Large Don Underwood, first term

Ward 1 Alderman James Magee Jr., first term

Ward 4 Alderman Jeff Henning, first term