The Ledger reports:
A cross section of blacks and whites, young and old milled past tables decorated with patriotic balloons at Frank Melton's mayoral campaign celebration Tuesday night.
It was perhaps that mix of Jackson voters that pushed Melton — running for political office for the first time — past two-term Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and Annell Smith in the Democratic primary election. With 92 of 95 precincts reporting, Melton garnered 25,922 votes, Johnson got 14,779 and Smith had 272.
Melton is headed to the June 7 general election in which he will face Republican Rick Whitlow. The four-year position pays $120,000 a year.
After his acceptance speech, Melton left the stage with tears in his eyes to a recording of Amazing Grace.
"We will always do what is right and what is best for the city of Jackson," he said.
Johnson conceded about 9:15 p.m., congratulating Melton and thanking voters for his eight-year run as Jackson's leader. He gathered Tuesday night with about 50 supporters at his campaign headquarters near State and Fortification streets.
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