Jackson Free Press

So far, it looks like three candidates have thrown their hats into the race to replace longtime Ward 3 City Councilman Kenneth Stokes. The council voted today to hold a special election on Feb. 14.

LaRita Cooper-Stokes, Kenneth Stokes' wife, is a former candidate for justice court judge. Albert Wilson is the founder of the nonprofit Genesis and Light Center. Other local media outlets have reported that the Rev. John Taylor Jr., a gospel singer and founder of the annual Frank E. Melton Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner will also run. Taylor was not immediately available for comment.

Another potential candidate, Sacha Moses Hamilton, also considered running, but decided not to seek the Ward 3 seat last week.

Stokes was first elected to the City Council in 1989. He resigned last week to serve on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.