Jackson Free Press

For the first time in a quarter century, Jackson's Ward 3 city council is not occupied by an individual whose surname is Stokes.

In fact, the near-west-side ward seat, a longtime stronghold of the black community, is not currently occupied at all.

Kenneth Stokes, the controversial official who has served on the city council and county board of supervisors, hopes to return to the seat, which his wife vacated to become a judge.

Stokes, whose mother recently passed away, told the Jackson Advocate, the state's oldest black newspaper that has been a big supporter of the Stokeses, that he wanted to keep the seat in the family because of traditions he and his wife are involved with such as the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. His mother blessed the decision before her recent death, he said.

"We've got to continue taking to the streets to encourage people to stop the violence. And it's not a little thing that they can't afford to pay their water bills. Our people are struggling just to get by," Stokes told the Advocate.

Stokes is likely the front-runner, given his name recognition and control of a political machine that can turn out supporters for rallies and to speak favorably of legislative proposals as easily as he can turn them out to the polls on Election Day. The ubiquitous "Stokes" campaign signs that remain posted throughout the ward even in non-election years don't hurt, either.

In fact, all the announced candidates in the race, which will take place Jan. 27, have competed in past elections. After weeks of social-media buzz, Pam Greer confirmed last week that she would again seek the seat. Greer, who runs a foundation that promotes anti-violence awareness and support to families of violent crime victims, ran in 2013 as well. LaRita Cooper-Stokes went on to capture the post after a court fight with Joyce Jackson resulted in a new election.

Another familiar face is Albert Wilson also formally announced last week with a press conference at the Genesis and Light Center, a senior-services center he founded and runs. The announcement was basically a formality; Wilson's campaign signs went up soon after Cooper-Stokes officially resigned her seat, and he has started to make more frequent appearances at city council meetings. Wilson also competed in the special election for Jackson mayor after the death of Chokwe Lumumba in February.

Candidates have until Wednesday, Jan. 7, to qualify for the race. If Stokes is successful in his bid, a special election would have to take place to fill his District 5 seat on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.