Chuck Espy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chuck Espy
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| Mayor of Clarksdale, Mississippi | |
| In office July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Bill Luckett |
| Succeeded by | Orlando Paden |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 26th district |
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| In office January 4, 2000 – January 5, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Leonard Henderson |
| Succeeded by | Orlando Paden |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Henry William Espy III
April 24, 1975 Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lynn |
| Residences | Clarksdale, Mississippi |
| Alma mater | Southern University (BS) Bethel University (MBA) |
Henry William "Chuck" Espy III (born April 24, 1975) is an American politician. He served as the mayor of Clarksdale, Mississippi from 2017 to 2025. Before that, he was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for 16 years, from 2000 to 2016.
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About Chuck Espy
Early Life and Education
Chuck Espy was born on April 24, 1975. He grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
He went to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. Later, he continued his studies at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. He received his master's degree in business administration (MBA) from Bethel University.
Family Background
Chuck Espy comes from a family with a history in public service. His father, Henry Espy, also served as the mayor of Clarksdale. His uncle, Mike Espy, was a U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Public Service Career
Serving in the State House
Chuck Espy was first elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1999. He represented District 26. He served in this role for 16 years, from 2000 to 2016.
During his time in the House, Espy worked on important laws. He spoke out against a bill that would require voters to show ID. He also voted to help retired teachers by protecting their "13th check," which is an extra payment. He supported fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). This program helps make sure schools have enough money.
One of the laws Espy was most proud of was the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). He helped write this bill in 2010. CHIP provided health insurance to thousands of children in Mississippi.
Becoming Mayor of Clarksdale
After serving in the state legislature, Chuck Espy became the mayor of Clarksdale. He was elected in 2017 and served two terms. His time as mayor ended in 2025.
He did not run for re-election as mayor in 2025. Orlando Paden, who was a Democratic Mississippi state representative, took over as mayor after Espy.
Business and Community Work
Besides his political career, Chuck Espy is also involved in business. He is the president of Century Funeral Home and Burial Association.
