Inauguration of Jackson, Mississippi’s Mayor and City Council
Scheduled for July 1, 2025
JXN, Mississippi — June 16, 2025 — The City of Jackson will welcome a new chapter in its leadership with the
inauguration of The Honorable John Horhn on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
A full day of ceremonial and celebratory events is planned to mark the occasion, all taking place at the Jackson
Convention Complex, located at 105 E Pascagoula Street, in downtown Jackson in the City With Soul.
The 2025 Honorary Chairs are First Lady-Elect Lydia Gail Horhn and Mrs. Donna Barksdale. Dr. Juanita Sims
Doty is chairing the inaugural committee. The Honorable Mike Espy, Betsy Bradley and Ermea J. Russell are co-
chairs for the inaugural events and activities. The theme of the 2025 Inaugural is “Jackson is Ready…The Time Is
Now."
Inauguration Day Schedule of Activities & Events:
INAUGURAL PRAYER SERVICE
8:00 AM | Doors open at 7:15 AM
INAUGURAL CEREMONIES & OATH OF OFFICE
11:00 AM | Doors open at 10:00 AM
Mayor-Elect Horhn and members of the Jackson City Council will be sworn in.
THE INAUGURAL GALA
7:00 PM | Doors open at 6:00 PM
An evening of celebration featuring live performances by some of Jackson’s finest professional musicians.
All events are free and open to the public.
1 / 4Mayor-Elect John Horhn, a veteran public servant known for his deep commitment to Jackson and its residents,
will be sworn in as the 54th Mayor of the Capital City. The day’s events will also include remarks from prominent
local leaders and dignitaries, marking the start of a new administration focused on collaboration, community and
impact.
City Council Members who will be sworn in include:
The Honorable Ashby Foote, Councilman Ward 1
The Honorable Montyne “Tina” Clay, Councilwoman Ward 2
The Honorable Kenneth Stokes, Councilman Ward 3
The Honorable Brian Grizzell, PhD, Councilman Ward 4
The Honorable Vernon Hartley, Councilman Ward 5
The Honorable Lashia Brown-Thomas, Councilwoman Ward 6
The Honorable Kevin Parkinson, Councilman Ward 7
Media credentials may be requested by emailing ycmoore@visitjackson.com, no later than Monday, June
23rd.
Event Details:
What: Inauguration Ceremony of Mayor John Horhn & The Jackson, Mississippi City Council
When: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Where: Jackson Convention Complex
Who: Mayor-Elect John Horhn, City Council Members, Business & Community Leaders, and the Residents
of Jackson
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About the City of Jackson
Founded in 1822, Jackson is the capital city of Mississippi, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and
commitment to community development. The city serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the state.
About the Inaugural Committee
The 2025 Honorary Chairs are First Lady-Elect Lydia Gail Horhn and Mrs. Donna Barksdale.
Dr. Juanita Sims Doty is chairing the inaugural committee. The Honorable Mike Espy, Betsy Bradley, and The
Honorable Ermea J. Russell are co-chairs for the inaugural events and activities. The 2025 Inaugural Theme is
“Jackson is Ready …The Time Is Now.”
Mayor-Elect Horhn has assembled a dedicated and experienced team of Jacksonians lending their talent,
influence and expertise to ensure that the 54th Jackson, Mississippi Inaugural Events are memorable and
impactful.
The Inaugural Sub-Committee Leadership includes:
Finance, Jeff Good
Program Booklet/Invitation, Tonya Parker
Prayer Service, Pastor Tonya Ware
Oath of Office & Swearing In Ceremony, Rica Lewis-Payton & Debbie Good
VIP &Sponsor Reception, Renalda Jaynes & Judge E J Russell
Commemorative Gifts, Judge E J Russell
Decorations, Erica Lee
Hosts/Hostesses, Theresa Green
Printing & Media/Marketing, Dr. Rickey Thigpen
City Council Liaison, Betsy Bradley & The Honorable Virgi Lindsay
2 / 4Entertainment, Dr. Ramon Jackson & Carol Woodson
Financial Secretary, Pat Daniels
Gala Menu Liaison & Valet Parking, Betsy Bradley
Gala, Charla Horhn, MS, LAPC, NCC & Dr. Juanita Sims Doty
Logistics, Dr. Karla McCullough
MEDIA CONTACT
Rickey Thigpen, PhD.
(601) 906-1645 | rthigpen@visitjackson.com
Yolanda Clay-Moore
(601) 209-8181 | ycmoore@visitjackson.com
Sent on Behalf of the Mayor-Elect Horhn Inaugural Committee
Public Relations Sub-Committee by Visit Jackson
Visit Jackson | 308 East Pearl St., Ste. 301 | Jackson, MS 39201