A Democratic Primary for Starkville’s mayoral race is now needed after a second resident filed their campaign paperwork Friday at City Hall.
Damion Poe, a 26-year-old Starkville native with experience in human resources, will enter the race and challenge former city Chief Administrative Officer Lynn Spruill for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Poe currently works as a human resources recruiter at Sitel, a customer service call center, and served in a HR capacity from 2010-2016 with the Mississippi Army National Guard.
“I’m passionate about the growth of Starkville, and I want to see the great things that (Mayor Parker Wiseman) worked on continue. I’m big on education, growth and uniting the community,” Poe said.
Spruill qualified as a Democrat on Jan. 3, the first day of qualification. She previously served as the mayor of Addison, Texas, from 1988-1993.
Local attorney Johnny Moore is also expected to throw his hat into the race after he announced his intent to run last year.
When announcing his plans for office, Moore did not indicate under which party’s umbrella he would run.
If Moore declares as a Democrat, he will face both Poe and Spruill in the May 3 primary. A runoff election would be held May 16 if the winner fails to secure more than 50 percent of the vote.
If Moore declares as a Republican or independent, he would face the winner of the Democratic Primary in the June 6 General Election. He would face the winner of the GOP Primary in the General Election if he chooses not to represent a party and a Republican qualifies.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. March 3 to qualify for the municipal election.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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