John A. Horhn, a lifelong Democrat born on February 8, 1955, is the current mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, sworn in on July 1, 2025, after winning the election with over 67% of the vote. He previously represented Mississippi State Senate District 26 from 1993 to 2025, serving eight terms and chairing the Economic Development Committee. Notable achievements include authoring legislation for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum—the only state-supported civil rights museum in the U.S.—sponsoring over $1 billion in Jackson projects , founding the Mississippi Blues Commission in 1991, and serving as vice chairman of the Mississippi Blues Foundation since 2011.

Education and Political Experience

• Early Career: Program manager at the Mississippi Arts Commission ; state film commissioner ; federal/state programs director under Governor Ray Mabus ; state tourism director , boosting cultural tourism.
• *State Senate *: Leadership roles included Chair of Economic Development and Labor Committees, Vice Chair of Tourism Committee; focused on economic development, cultural preservation, small business, and Jackson revitalization; re-elected with strong majorities .
• *Mayor of Jackson *: Elected as 54th mayor on a platform of trust, accountability, basic services, and strategic planning; active on infrastructure, crime , and events like the National Folk Festival.
• Other: Business development consultant in healthcare, housing, engineering; Screen Actors Guild member with TV/film appearances; affiliations include NAACP, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Leadership Jackson Alumni. Married to Lydia; two children: Siraj and Charla.