Democrats invest, organize to flip Gulfport’s mayor seat blue

(Supertalk) - Gulf Coast attorney and Republican candidate Hugh Keating has won Gulfport’s mayoral seat after a tense race against former state lawmaker and Democratic candidate Sonya Williams Barnes. A long night at Gulfport City Hall stretched into the early hours of Wednesday morning. In the end, Keating totaled 6,902 votes to Williams Barnes’ 6,073 to take the seat and replace Mayor Billy Hewes, who decided not to seek reelection. Onlookers kept a close eye on those organizing and managing the vote count as leadership from both candidates’ state parties had lobbed accusations of election interference to their opponents in the last seven days. The Mississippi GOP claimed on May 28 that Williams Barnes’ campaign was guilty of buying voters by providing meal vouchers to residents who cast in-person absentee ballots, though the Democrat vehemently denied the claims. The accusation sparked a public call for an investigation by state Republican Party chairman Mike Hurst, along with an investigation by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, though no conclusions were ever brought forth. Four days later, the Mississippi Democratic Party issued a public statement condemning efforts by Keating supporters. Specifically, Democratic leaders pointed to a letter sent to employees of Island View Casino by managing partner Rick Carter that voiced support for Keating’s mayoral bid. State party chairman Cheikh Taylor called upon the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Gulfport Election Commission to investigate the matter, though officials did not announce an official investigation would be carried out. The day after Carter’s letter to employees, Island View CEO Linsey Inman issued a follow-up letter, attempting to ease unrest by some who received the letter that there was pressure to vote for Keating. In the lead up to the general election, the race drew statewide, regional, and national attention as both candidates brought in heavy hitting endorsements, such as Keating receiving in-person support from U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Mayor Billy Hewes, and other statewide leaders. Williams Barnes drew the support of former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), and other top Democratic leaders as she made a push to become the coastal city’s first Black woman to hold the mayor’s office. Upon the certification of Tuesday’s results, Keating will assume the mayor’s seat on July 1.

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(Magnolia Tribune) - Perhaps the most intriguing Municipal General Election mayor’s race this cycle is in Mississippi’s second largest city of Gulfport.  On Tuesday, voters chose to send Republican nominee Hugh Keating to City Hall, electing him to succeed outgoing Mayor Billy Hewes (R) who did not seek re-election. Unofficial results, according to campaign officials, showed Keating up nearly 1,100 votes over Democrat nominee Sonya Williams Barnes before some 1,400 absentee votes were tallied. When those absentees were counted and reported out after midnight, Keating emerged the winner. He won 6,902 votes, or 53.2 percent, with Williams Barnes receiving 6,073 46.8 percent. Nearly 500 affidavit ballots were left to be verified but even if the Democrat won all of those, Keating would still win. The race has drawn interest from national party figures on both sides of the aisle, with former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams (D) coming in to support Williams Barnes and South Carolina U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R) holding a rally backing Keating. Allegations of vote buying swirled in the race last week, resulting in Williams Barnes meeting with investigators at the Mississippi Attorney General’s office. She has denied any wrongdoing. Keating ran unopposed in the Republican Party primary while Williams Barnes won the Democratic Primary with over 84 percent of the vote. Democrats saw an opening after Williams Barnes drew nearly 600 more votes in her primary contest than did Hewes in the 2021 general election. On Tuesday, it appears nearly 13,000 Gulfport voters turned out to cast their ballot in the contentious race. Williams Barnes thanked voters for their support early Wednesday morning in a statement sent to the press. “While we didn’t win the election, what we accomplished together was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Williams Barnes. “In past elections, about 2,000 voters would determine who leads our city. But this time, over 13,000 citizens made their voices heard. That kind of turnout is not only historic — it’s transformative.”

(View Video Here) GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - With incumbent mayor Billy Hewes stepping down, a new face is destined for the Gulfport mayor’s office. Republican Hugh Keating and Democrat Sonya Williams Barnes are the remaining candidates in Gulfport. They attended a meet-and-greet event hosted by Go Gulfport on Thursday evening. The event focused on innovation and projects based around the city. Keating says innovation is a big focus of his campaign, along with more police officers, public parks, and better community relations. “All of those things collectively work together, so I intend to make sure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and that we build and work together,” said Keating. Sonya Williams Barnes also spoke with us about her campaign. She said the people of Gulfport face too many hurdles in their daily lives. Whether that be infrastructure issues, or a grueling process to welcome businesses to the city. She also emphasized her previous work history, saying it will help elevate her over her opponent. “I will listen. I come with a track record,” said Williams Barnes. “I have shown you what I have done in previous years. Just like I fought in Jackson, I will fight in City Hall for you.”  The election is on June 3.

Following current Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes’ announcement that he will not seek reelection, prominent Mississippi Gulf Coast attorney Hugh Keating has tossed his hat in the ring. Keating officially registered as a Republican mayoral candidate for the Magnolia State’s second-largest municipality on Tuesday. He brings a wealth of community experience to the table, which he believes makes him a fit for the job. “Over the course of the last 40 years, I’ve done a lot of work for the municipality of Gulfport and other governmental entities,” Keating told SuperTalk Mississippi News. “It’s given me a unique insight from looking outside in and from the inside out. I’ve always tried to live my life as a person who puts service above self, and I believe we have an obligation to be good citizens. The timing is right for me.” Keating aims to step into the sizable shoes of Billy Hews and the late George Schloegel, who both played key roles in the recovery and progress of Gulfport following Hurricane Katrina. “It’s almost like a calling,” Keating said. “I feel like I can hit the ground running and for it to be a seamless transition. We’ve got a lot of transformative projects in the pipeline that need to be carried to fruition. But the city has other needs to be addressed – there’s always room for improvement.” The longtime lawyer expressed a need to emphasize the economic strengths of Gulfport, particularly the “blue economy” factor. Nevertheless, he also noted that there are needs beyond economic improvement and he intends to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the city. With Mississippi Democrats like Brandon Presley circling the Gulfport mayoral seat to potentially no longer be a Republican stronghold, Keating says while the first step is winning the Republican primary, he’s up for the challenge. “I can only do what I can do,” Keating said. “I’m Gulfport true blue – five generations deep now. I love this city and have given as much as I can to help support it and grow community services. I’ll continue to do that regardless.” He went on to emphasize his commitment to serving “all segments of the community.” That pledge is reflected in the construction of multiple advisory committees where every demographic of the city will be represented. “I’m not the type of person to take a hardcore position in extreme ways,” Keating said. “I try to find consensus and build cooperation. I intend to make sure all of their needs are addressed.” Municipal elections are set to be held in the spring of 2025, with new terms beginning next July. Copyright 2024 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. All rights reserved. Original Article: https://www.supertalk.fm/prominent-coast-attorney-announces-bid-for-gulfport-mayoral-seat/

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Family, friends, and supporters gathered on the steps of Gulfport City Hall on Monday as longtime Mississippi lawyer and Coast community leader Hugh Keating formally entered the race for mayor. Keating announced his intent to run after Mayor and fellow Republican Billy Hewes, announced last spring that he would not seek a fourth term. “My vision is to see this area, downtown Gulfport, become a vibrant, walkable, commercial, retail, and residential community again like it once was back when I was growing up. We have a lot of good things in the pipeline.” The former President of the Mississippi Bar has been active in city redevelopment and crime commissions— two areas he says will serve as the pillars of his platform. “Economic development and public safety – those are the two foundational rocks which we want to build a strong, vibrant, and healthy city – which we have, but there is always room for improvement.” Two Democratic contenders, Sonya Williams-Barnes and Ronald Henderson, have already announced their candidacy for the seat and will face off in the party primary on April 1. Despite currently running unopposed on the Republican side, and with full support from Mayor Hewes, Keating says the mayoral seat is anything but a slam dunk when facing his democratic opposition. “I don’t take anything for granted, I never have,” Keating told WLOX. “Either you run scared or you don’t run at all if you are running for elected office. So, no. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’m going to do my best to reach out and be present in the communities all over the city. ”  Keating knows another Republican could enter the race as the deadline for filing for all city elections is January 31. The general election is June 3. Copyright 2025 WLOX. All rights reserved. Original Article: https://www.wlox.com/2025/01/14/longtime-mississippi-lawyer-community-leader-hugh-keating-enters-race-gulfport-mayor/

Hugh Keating, a well-known attorney along the Gulf Coast, has officially announced his candidacy for Gulfport mayor. Speaking in front of Gulfport City Hall, Keating addressed a crowd of supporters and outlined his vision for the city if elected. A central focus of his campaign is addressing Gulfport’s police officer shortage, which he believes can be resolved by engaging and recruiting from the younger generation. Additionally, Keating is prioritizing the enhancement of Gulfport’s downtown entertainment district, aiming to boost its appeal and vitality. Copyright 2025 WXXV. All rights reserved. Original Article: https://www.wxxv25.com/hugh-keating-announces-campaign-for-gulfport-mayor/

 (Gulfport, MS) – On Monday, January 13, Hugh Keating formally announced his campaign to be the next Mayor of Gulfport. At an announcement event, surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Keating talked about why he is running for Mayor, his background and plans to grow Gulfport in the future. At the event, Keating stated, “Gulfport has great things happening and great things in the pipeline. However, our citizens still have needs that require attention. The right kind of experience and leadership in the Mayor’s office is essential in order to recognize those needs and to implement plans and programs for reaching our goals. Gulfport has the potential to be the beacon of light for the entire State of Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. Our diverse resources and strong and resilient people are unmatched. Yet, we are capable of so much more.” “To achieve our goals, we must cultivate and emphasize strategic economic capabilities and strengths. That means an increased focus on the blue economy—to make sure all things water-related are a major economic engine for Gulfport,” Keating stated. “Marine engineering, marine environmental research, shipbuilding, aquaculture, foreign and international trade through the State port and Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, protecting and growing the seafood industry and our Mississippi Sound, promotion of tourism attractions, events and opportunities, as well as the technological support for everything else water-related, are essential to successful expansion of the blue economy. Improving City regulations and processes that impact economic development will allow more efficiency and growth.” “Growing our economy and improving our quality of life also means making sure our City provides the highest quality law enforcement possible to improve and maintain the public safety. Gulfport has an outstanding professional police force. One of the best, if not the best in Mississippi. But, we must grow our team of professional law enforcement to provide adequate protection for our citizens, expand outreach into our neighborhoods and to provide more programs that engage our youth. In 2011, Gulfport had 203 sworn officers on patrol, however, today, we’re below 150 officers. As Mayor, I’ll work to make sure we have enough trained and sworn patrol officers with the support and resources they deserve to keep all neighborhoods safe and to promote confidence in law enforcement throughout our city. Members of our law enforcement and first responders are our front-line ambassadors. Communications and improved community relations are vital to maintaining safe and secure neighborhoods and businesses. Heavy focus will be placed on recruiting and retention of police officers, as well as continuing to build strong community relations.” “Infrastructure is also a key to our City’s future economic development success so I’ll work hard on completing road-widening and improvement projects in the Orange Grove areas including Dedeaux Rd., Three Rivers Rd., Landon Rd. and the Commerce Parkway extension from Daniel Blvd.” Keating said. “The City has funding to help build the Commerce Parkway extension. When we open that corridor, it will be a game-changer for commercial development—tax base, sales tax, jobs and service sectors.” “I’ll work with our dedicated, professional city employees, City Council members, elected Federal and State officials, and non-profit organizations to find ways and means through grants and other resources, to improve housing in low to moderate income areas, to create programs to reduce homelessness, to improve blighted, urban renewal areas, commercial corridors along US 49 and Pass Road and to fund beautification programs across the City.” Keating said, “The first impression one forms upon arrival in our city when traveling south along US 49, or along Pass Road needs to be improved. Taking pride in our appearance and promoting programs to clean-up neglected or ignored properties and minimize homelessness throughout our city will have positive impacts on public safety, for businesses and economic development opportunities.” “We need to lay aside partisan labels. Our mission must be to improve our City for the benefit of all citizens. We will create a brighter future by working together. We’re not Republicans, we’re not Democrats, we’re citizens of Gulfport,” Keating stated. “We all want the same thing—the best quality of life in the City of Gulfport we can achieve in order to promote and encourage growth and prosperity in the present and for our children’s future. I want to use my background, skills, experiences and dedication to serve as your next Mayor. I will carry out my duties and responsibilities without partisan politics getting in the way. I will be a Mayor for ALL of the people of Gulfport. From West Gulfport to East Gulfport, from Orange Grove/North Gulfport to the Beach and all areas in between. I humbly ask for your support. Together, we can and will make a difference. Gulfport will become the beacon of light it is meant to be.” “Onward and Upward.”

With current Mayor Billy Hewes planning on stepping down after his third term, candidates have begun announcing their intentions to run for the office of Mayor of Gulfport in 2025. On Monday Sonya Williams-Barnes, a former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, confirmed with WXXV that she intends to run for the seat of Gulfport Mayor. Along with her, Gulfport attorney Hugh Keating also confirming that he still intends to run in the 2025 election. Time is still left for other candidates to throw their hats in the ring but the filing period for municipal races is quickly approaching, beginning in January of next year. Party primaries will kick off at the beginning of April, with general elections set for June 3rd. Some Gulfport residents spoke on what remains important to them as we draw closer to the race for the seat of Gulfport Mayor. “They need to interact with the people because the people are the ones that put you in office. Get out, show your face, and show concern. That’s the main thing. Show concern, have compassion, have empathy with your people,” said Kenya Williams, a Gulfport resident. Source: WXXV - https://www.wxxv25.com/a-look-ahead-to-the-upcoming-gulfport-municipal-elections/