Mississippi Democratic Party Stands Firm Behind Sonya Williams for Gulfport Mayor, Denounces “Scare Tactics”

Gulfport, MS (BuzzReport) – As the mayoral election in Gulfport, Mississippi draws near, the Mississippi Democratic Party has issued a strong statement of support for their nominee, Sonya Williams Barnes, while vehemently condemning what they call “scare tactics” employed by the Republican Party of Mississippi.

Williams Barnes, a former Mississippi state legislator, is challenging the Republican hold on the city that has lasted over 30 years. The Democratic Party paints her as a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of advocating for equity, access, and accountability in government. Her campaign, centered around the slogan “One Gulfport,” emphasizes unity and service to all residents, across every neighborhood and community.

“Sonya is a lifelong public servant… She has spent her entire career standing up for working families, fighting for quality education, safer communities, and inclusive leadership that brings people together,” the Mississippi Democratic Party stated.

Their endorsement comes amidst a controversy surrounding an investigation initiated by the Attorney General’s office, reportedly at the behest of the Mississippi Republican Party. The investigation centers on the nonpartisan efforts of “Souls to the Polls” and “Project 35,” aimed at increasing civic participation, particularly among seniors and young voters. “Souls to the Polls” is a church-based outreach program that has been used in several previous election cycles. “Project 35” is comprised of young adults with the goal to engage young voters with voter registration drives and gatherings to teach about the political process. These efforts are not sponsored nor connected to Sonya Williams Barnes’s campaign

The Democratic Party characterizes the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to discredit Williams Barnes’s campaign. They argue that these community-led initiatives, designed to empower voters, deserve praise, not prosecution.

“We are outraged by the recent attempt by the Mississippi Republican Party to weaponize the Attorney General’s office in a politically motivated investigation aimed at discrediting Sonya’s campaign,” the party stated. “These scare tactics are nothing new. We’ve seen this before—attempts to slander our candidates, intimidate our voters, and undermine Black leadership. But we will not be silenced. We will not let lies win.”

They pointed to Williams Barnes’s focus on key issues such as jobs, infrastructure, crime, and neighborhood revitalization as a contrast to the Republican Party’s alleged lack of a concrete plan.

The election is set for June 3, and the Mississippi Democratic Party is urging Gulfport voters to see through what they describe as fear-based distractions and choose hope, leadership, and unity by supporting Sonya Williams Barnes.