JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – State Sen. John Horhn came close to avoiding a runoff in Jackson’s Democratic primary for mayor on April 1, despite low voter turnout.

Horhn and incumbent Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba will proceed to a runoff election on April 22. Horhn secured 7,000 more votes than Lumumba during the primary, making him the favorite heading into the runoff.

Horhn received support from voters, like Vickie Ellis, who typically lean Republican.

“I’m not saying it’s just about the connections to get things done, but he understands how to make things happen. I think he would be a good choice for mayor,” she said.

Horhn needed more than 50% of the vote to win the primary. With 114,000 registered voters in Jackson, only 25,000 voted in the primary.

Dr. D’Andra Orey, a Political Science professor at Jackson State University (JSU), was surprised by Horhn’s large lead, and he’s also wondering how voters will react to Lumumba’s legal challenges.

“Some people might overlook the mayor’s legal issues, citing that he hasn’t been convicted yet. hey may compare it to the situation with the current president. People hold similar views about Lumumba’s legal troubles,” Orey said.

The winner of the runoff will advance to the General Election on June 3.