Councilwoman of Mississippi’s largest city resigns following series of controversies

Jackson Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee has resigned from her position, effective immediately, following a series of controversies that have marred her tenure.

Below is a copy of the resignation letter provided by a Jackson spokesperson:

“It is with a profound sadness that I humbly submit this letter of resignation as City Councilwoman for the City of Jackson.

Circumstances that I am not at liberty to discuss at the moment, have led to this decision. I will greatly miss working with each of you and I am proud of the work that we have done as a collective body for the City of Jackson and its citizens.

It has been my tremendous honor to serve the constituents of Ward 2 and the people of the City of Jackson as a whole. I have worked hard. Sacrificed much, and have always put the citizens of Jackson first. I am proud of the work we have done, proud of my voting record, and my work in the community. We have advocated for our seniors, our para transit community, and have been boots on the ground in our schools, our senior living facilities, churches and communities.

I would like to personally extend my gratitude to all of my neighborhood association presidents for all of their support and prayers throughout my tenure. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to my Chief of Staff, Harold Patton, Ms. Shirley Daniels, and the late LaShaundra Liddell for their commitment to helping me solve the needs and concerns for the constituents in our ward. And lastly, I would like to personally thank all of our clerks, directors, police and firemen that operate behind the scenes and on the front lines for the citizens of Jackson. We could not do it without you.

In closing, my work as councilwoman may have come to an end, but my love of service to my community and this city will continue.

Sincere regards, Angelique Lee.”

Lee, who was first elected to the council in 2020, has faced significant scrutiny over the past year. In June 2023, she was arrested by a Madison police officer who reported the smell of marijuana and later charged her with DUI. The charge was expected to be expunged from her record, but it attracted widespread attention.

Further controversy arose in July when it was revealed that Lee’s wages as a council member were being garnished to cover nearly $21,000 in unpaid campaign expenses. The debt, owed to A2Z Printing, led to a writ of garnishment being issued in October 2022 by the Hinds County Circuit Court. It is unclear if Lee has fully paid off the amount.

Lee’s resignation leaves the Ward 2 seat vacant, and the council is now required under state law to meet within the next 10 days to order a special election to fill the seat. The election must be held between 30 and 45 days after the council meeting.

No reason was given for Lee’s sudden departure, and no questions were permitted following the announcement. The city council will now move forward to address the vacancy in Ward 2, with a special election anticipated in the coming weeks.