James Young (mayor) facts for kids

James A. Young (born November 7, 1955) is an American politician. He served as the mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, from 2009 to 2025. He was first elected in May 2009. His election was very important. He became the first African-American mayor of the city. Philadelphia was known for a difficult past from 1964.

Young is a Pentecostal preacher. He was also a county supervisor before becoming mayor. He was 53 years old when he was elected. He won against Rayburn Waddell, who had been mayor for three terms. Young won by 46 votes in the Democratic primary election. There was no Republican candidate. This meant the winner of the primary automatically became the city's next mayor. He started his term on July 3, 2009.

Jim Prince, who publishes the local The Neshoba Democrat newspaper, spoke about Young's election. He said that Philadelphia would always be connected to its past. But he also said that electing a Black man as mayor showed the city had changed. He felt it was time to stop focusing only on Philadelphia's difficult history.

Young's campaign team believed that Barack Obama's presidential campaign helped. It encouraged more Black and young voters in Philadelphia to register. This increased voter turnout.

On April 1, 2025, Young ran for re-election as mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi. He came in third place in the Democratic primary. Cassie Henson Hickman and Leroy Clemons were the top two candidates. Both Hickman and Clemons are African American. Clemons won the primary runoff election. However, he then lost to the Republican candidate, Jim Fulton, in the general election. Jim Fulton was a city council member. He often spoke about his good working relationship with Young.

About James Young

Early Life and Family

James Young and his wife, Sheryl, have one daughter. Her name is Shanda, and she was born in 1978. Young grew up on a farm. The farm was located in Stallo.

More Information

External Links

• City of Philadelphia, Mississippi