In less than one month, Brookhaven voters will choose their preferred candidates for the offices of mayor and the board of aldermen. 

The Primary Election is Tuesday, April 1; Primary Runoff Election Day is Tuesday, April 22; and the General Election is Tuesday, June 3. Candidates elected will begin their terms July 1.

Each of the 18 candidates for various offices was sent an identical questionnaire that asked: assessment of the current occupant’s effectiveness (including self-assessment); transparency and accountability; pressing issues; how their role would improve the City and Lincoln County; and why voters should elect them to the position.

Candidates for Alderman of Ward 3 are incumbent Charles Caston Sr., and Jennifer Howard-Tate. Both are running as Democrats.

The sole candidate for Ward 4 is Republican incumbent Jeff Henning.

Candidates for Ward 5 are incumbent Fletcher Grice and challenger Tristan Peavey. Both are Republican.

 

Ward 3, Charles Caston Sr. 

Alderman Caston did not respond to the questionnaire.

 

Ward 3, Jennifer Howard-Tate

My name is Jennifer Marie Howard-Tate, and I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Brookhaven, MS and I have lived in Ward 3 my entire life. I have chosen to run for Alderwoman in our community because I believe that true investment in our neighborhood leads to meaningful action and positive change. 

One of my primary goals as Alderwoman will be to involve the residents of Ward 3 to keep our community safe and beautiful. I plan to hold quarterly community meetings where residents can come together for face-to-face discussions. These gatherings will serve as a vital checkpoint, allowing me as an Alderwoman to hear the concerns, understand the needs, and collectively set goals for our community. On February 2, 2025, I hosted a meet-and-greet where the residents were able to have an open dialogue with their candidate. This forum was open to the public and the attendance was impressive. This alone was a testament that transparent discussions can be a vehicle for effective solutions. 

Having lived in Ward 3 since 1982, I have witnessed firsthand the changes our community has undergone. Unfortunately, I believe that the ward was in better shape 42 years ago than it is today. While I acknowledge the efforts of the incumbent, I feel that there is a need for renewed focus on revitalization and community engagement. If elected, I would aim to change courses by prioritizing the needs of our residents and implementing strategies to restore the vibrancy and attractiveness of Ward 3.

Transparency and accountability are crucial for building trust within the community. I plan to make myself visible and accessible to residents, not just during election time but throughout my entire term. This means holding regular office hours, returning phone calls promptly, and actively engaging in hard conversations with residents. By fostering open communication and being present in the community, I will ensure that concerns are addressed and that residents feel heard and valued.

The most pressing issues in Ward 3 include the need to clean up our neighborhood, enhance its attractiveness for business ventures, and stimulate economic growth and development. To address these issues, I will work on initiatives to beautify our community, improve safety through better lighting and street surveillance, and strengthen our law enforcement partnerships. Additionally, expanding youth recreation programs will provide positive outlets for our young people and contribute to a healthier community overall.

My role as Alderwoman would focus on enhancing the quality of life in Brookhaven and Lincoln County. By prioritizing community safety, economic development, and resident engagement, I will work to create an environment where businesses can thrive, families feel secure, and community members are actively involved. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community that benefits ALL residents.

I am seeking the office of Alderwoman because I am deeply passionate about my community and dedicated to making Ward 3 a better place for everyone. My long-standing ties to the area, my family’s legacy and business which has existed for over 100 years in Ward 3, and my desire to invest in our neighborhood drive my commitment to this role. Voters should elect me because I bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to listen, and a genuine desire to work collaboratively with residents to achieve our shared goals. Service is not merely something I do; it is who I am. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to community service, beginning with organizations like the Girl Scouts of America and the Young Forward Lookers Club, and continuing through my roles as the Investment Club President at Jackson State University and a life member of the Jackson University Alumni Association. As a proud 21-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I have worked with numerous local and national organizations, all united by the common mission of giving back to our community. In 2024 I was recognized by the Mississippi Women in the Lead Organization and was afforded the opportunity to participate in their leadership cohort. 

I am not seeking public office for personal gain; I am motivated by a desire to serve the public. My commitment to community service is evident through my nonprofit organization which has been active since 2009 and was rebranded in 2023. Over the past two years we have hosted eight household giveaways, two youth explosions, and five community health fairs amongst many other community events. We also organized shoe drives, providing over 1,000 pairs of new Nike tennis shoes for our youth. My efforts have always been to intentionally collaborate with community leaders, business owners, and community organizations both local and national, such as Elks Lodge 923, Mississippi Job Corps, Consistency Beyond Limitations, Toys for Tots, MS Blood Services, Mississippi Department of Health, and Family Health Care Clinic to name a few; together we have made a tangible impact on our community.

My focus has always been on education, healthcare, environmental protection, safety, and social justice for all. I believe that if I have the courage to ask for your vote, I must also have the courage to address the pressing issues facing the residents of Ward 3 with urgency and dedication.

I invite you to follow our community service journey on our Facebook page, J’Marie Global, to see the positive changes we are making together. I am committed to serving Ward 3, and I am eager to bring my passion, experience, and dedication as I continue to serve our community, and the residents of Brookhaven, MS. Together, we can continue to uplift and address the issues that matter most to us.

 

Ward 4, Jeff Henning

Alderman Henning did not respond to the questionnaire.

 

Ward 5, Fletcher Grice

My name is Fletcher Grice and I am a resident of Ward 5. I am retired from General Motors with 30 years of service, as well as a small business owner for 10 years. I am seeking reelection for the office position of Alderman of Ward 5.

I would rate the last 12 years of service as highly successful. We have made great progress, such as a new fire station, two new fire trucks, with two more on the way, lowered fire rating; equipped the police department with computers, body cameras, and personal safety equipment; major paving projects, maintained a balanced budget, water and sewer improvements, as well as airport improvements, just to name a few — without raising taxes.

As your current alderman, if reelected, I will remain committed to serving the City of Brookhaven and my constituents in Ward 5 with transparency and common-sense solutions. I will address all issues with fairness and fiscal responsibility. I will remain committed to address all problems brought to me by my constituents by phone or personal contact, as well as carrying out the other duties of the office.

Safety is always the most pressing issue. A strong Fire Department, Police Department, in addition to clean water and sewer department, should be top priorities, as well as streets and proper lighting. These should always be budgeted accordingly. 

I hope my record speaks for itself. I have tried to be fair with all citizens, while keeping an ethical approach to the office. Public service is a calling. A willingness to serve others should be in the heart of all elected officials. 

I am married to Wanda Ballard Grice. Together, we have four children and seven grandchildren. 

We have made great progress these past years, and I am committed to work hard to keep Brookhaven moving forward. I humbly ask for your prayers and vote in the April 1 Primary.

 

Ward 5, Tristan Peavey

My name is Tristan Peavey, and I am running for Alderman of Ward 5 in Brookhaven, Mississippi. I am the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for Lincoln County.  

Brookhaven is always moving forward, that is what makes this town special. The people here have pride and passion for our community like nowhere else, but that does not mean our town is perfect. Crime has reached a tipping point, and my opponent repeatedly voted to keep the current system in place. I aim to move forward with a new system for our police force that ensures our community lives in a safer Brookhaven.  

There have been many decisions made in executive board meetings that have been kept from the public as well as board members abstaining from votes. My platform objectives are Trust, Transparency, and Safety in Our Community. I am committed to these principles as well as being an Alderman for the entire community, not just for Ward 5. Aldermen are elected by their Ward but called to represent all, and I intend to be a voice for you, regardless of what Ward you live in.

Having an Alderman that is active, present, and accessible is necessary for building a stronger, more connected Brookhaven. I will be an Alderman who listens, engages with residents, and ensures that concerns are addressed. I want to ensure accessibility to your elected officials. One of the most critical decisions we face is appointing the right Police Chief—someone who is experienced, accountable, and committed to reducing crime and restoring safety in our community. Leadership matters, and I will work to ensure we have the right people in place to move Brookhaven forward.

As Alderman, my focus will be on building a stronger, safer, and more connected community. By emphasizing Trust, Transparency, and Safety, I will work to restore confidence in local government, improve communication between officials and residents, and promote policies that support growth while preserving what makes Brookhaven special. My goal is to help create a city where businesses can thrive, families feel secure, and residents take pride in their community.

I am running for Alderman because I love this community and believe in its potential. Brookhaven deserves leadership that listens to all, acts with integrity, and puts the needs of its people first. I will be a voice for the residents, ensuring that concerns are heard and solutions are pursued. Voters should elect me because I stand for Trust, Transparency, and Safety, principles that will guide every decision I make. With a commitment to accountability and public safety, I am ready to serve and make a real difference.

Brookhaven is more than just where I live, it’s home. My family and I are deeply rooted in this community, and I am committed to making it a better place for future generations. My dedication to service comes from a love for this town and the people in it, and I am ready to work hard to ensure Brookhaven continues to grow and prosper. I want to hear your concerns and take action. Feel free to reach out at any time 601-757-7424 or peavey1997@gmail.com