Supported passage of non-discrimination ordinance to prohibit LGBTQ discrimination

• Derek Dobies spearheaded the passage of the non-discrimination ordinance, and fought to protect it when challenged.

• John Wilson stated that he would repeal the non-discrimination ordinance as written.

Supports funding group violence programming to curb gun violence in the city

• Derek Dobies spearheaded the passage of group violence intervention programming - and violent crimes declined 27.5% by the end of his tenure.

• Dena Morgan and John Wilson publicly opposed the creation of the group violence intervention programming in August of 2021.

• When asked at the Juneteenth Mayoral Panel to name a specific city service or program that is currently funded that you would reduce or restructure both Shalanda Hunt and Dena Morgan named group violence intervention programming.

Stood against Trump’s attacks on title funding at Jackson Public Schools over equity policies

• Derek Dobies authored Jackson Public Schools' Equity Policy. When the Trump administration threatened to withhold federal funding from school districts that maintained equity initiatives, Dobies cast the lone "No" vote against repealing the policy - fighting back against draconian and unconstitutional actions by Trump. He argued there was no need to abandon Jackson's values while the directive was being challenged in court by teachers' unions and other organizations. Shalanda Hunt voted to repeal the policy to comply Trump's directive. The directive was ultimately blocked in federal court. The Trump administration has abandoned this course of action, but the JPS policy remains repealed.

Endorsed by the Jackson County Democratic Committee

• Derek Dobies is the only candidate for mayor that has been endorsed by the Jackson County Democratic Party in the 2026 election. The endorsement was made at a general membership meeting on January 27, 2026.