John Lee elected Mayor of Leland in June 3 election, begins term July 1

John Lee was elected mayor of Leland, defeating Lisa Bush in the City’s general election held June 3. Lee succeeds Mayor Kenny Thomas, who served as Mayor for 2 nonconsecutive terms since 2005, with service as an alderman between those terms.

In addition to Lee’s victory, voters elected the following alderpersons: Barbara Rose Brooks in Ward 1, Johnnie Jones Sr. in Ward 2, Terron Deon Morris Sr. in Ward 3, Michael S. Street in Ward 4 and Nancy Jo King in Ward 5.

Voter turnout varied across the city’s five wards, with Ward 4 recording the highest participation rate at 46.57%.

Ward 1 Results: Ward 1 reported a 37.21% turnout, with 205 ballots cast from 551 registered voters. Lee, a Democrat, won the mayoral race here with 157 votes, while Bush, an independent, received 47. For alderperson, Barbara Rose Brooks, a Democrat, won with 127 votes, defeating Allen R. Amos, an independent, who had 76.

Ward 2 Results: In Ward 2, 168 of 481 registered voters cast ballots, a turnout of 34.93%. Lee received 140 votes to Bush’s 28. Johnnie Jones Sr., a Democrat, was elected alderperson with 141 votes. Write-in candidates received 3 votes.

Ward 3 Results: Ward 3 saw a 40.91% turnout, with 252 ballots cast out of 616 registered voters. Lee received 161 votes to Bush’s 85. One write-in vote was recorded. For alderperson, Terron Deon Morris Sr., an independent, won with 142 votes, defeating Brigitte D. Adley, a Democrat, who had 109.

Ward 4 Results: In Ward 4, turnout was 46.57%, with 278 ballots cast from 597 registered voters. Bush received 171 votes to Lee’s 103. Michael S. Street, an independent, won the alderperson seat with 153 votes, defeating Karne “Neiecy” S. Walker, a Democrat, who received 123.

Ward 5 Results: Ward 5 turnout reached 45.75%, with 242 ballots cast from 529 registered voters. Bush received 186 votes to Lee’s 55. One write-in vote was recorded. Nancy Jo King, an independent, won the alderperson race with 220 votes. One write-in vote was also recorded.

Citywide Outcome
Across all wards, John Lee received 616 votes, while Lisa Bush received 517. Despite Bush’s strong showings in Wards 4 and 5, Lee’s substantial leads in Wards 1, 2 and 3 secured his election. His campaign focused on getting the job done, infrastructure improvement and transparency in City leadership, building on his experience as a former alderperson.