Heir apparent: Mayfield defeats Hollingsworth in special election

The race for Vicksburg’s Ward 1 alderman seat was all but decided Thursday night as Thomas “T.J.” Mayfield defeated Daryl Hollingsworth in a lopsided runoff election.

Unofficial numbers showed Mayfield finishing with 839 total votes. Hollingsworth finished with 297.

Mayfield will now complete the unexpired term of his father, the late Michael Mayfield Sr., who died in March after a brief battle with cancer.

“The question as always is, ‘Well. Can you fill your dad’s shoes?’ I’ve been wearing them the last three months campaigning,” Mayfield said. “I think I’m going to be fine. I’ve got them on tonight. I’m going to keep walking and he’s going to keep walking with me.”

Mayfield told his supporters in a speech following the announcement of Thursday’s results that he looks forward to getting to work, but said he also knows the road ahead will be tough, as he will again face an election in 2025.

“This was a long, hard-fought election,” he said. “And the great thing about it, I’ve got to get right back out there. Six months is the turnaround before next year’s election. But, we’re going to work hard. We’re going to be out in the community. We’re going to support as many programs as we can. All the things that we want to do come from my heart; I’m genuine. I’m going to be sincere. It’s like the old song says: Whenever you need me, call me, and I’ll be around.”

In a statement released by his office Thursday night, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. congratulated Mayfield and said he looks forward to welcoming him to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

“Mayor Flaggs is pleased to congratulate Thomas ‘T.J.’ Mayfield as the unofficial new Ward 1 alderman. Mayor Flaggs commends Mr. Mayfield for his remarkable campaign, characterized by a genuine care with the residents of Ward 1 and a commitment to addressing their needs and concerns.”

Officials numbers for the runoff election will be released by Vicksburg City Hall after absentee and affidavit ballots are counted.