New mayor, Ward 1 alderman projected in Yazoo City election

Mayor David 'Mel' Starling did not seek reelection

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:33am

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A serene, textured painting of a simple voting booth or ballot box in a dimly lit municipal building, with warm sunlight streaming through a window and casting deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic duty and small-town nostalgia.The election of new leaders in Yazoo City signals a shift in local politics and community priorities.Yazoo City Today

Yazoo City voters are set to have a new mayor and a new Ward 1 alderman, according to unofficial results. Macklyn Austin is the projected winner for mayor, defeating Calvin 'Pastor Troy' Thomas and Woodrow Walker. In Ward 1, Deyoung Haymer is projected to replace Charles E. Jenkins, topping challenger Carl Mitchell.

Why it matters

The election of a new mayor and Ward 1 alderman in Yazoo City represents a shift in local leadership, as the previous mayor, David 'Mel' Starling, did not seek reelection. This change in elected officials could signal new priorities and policies for the city.

The details

According to the unofficial results, Macklyn Austin received 813 votes to become the projected winner for mayor, defeating Calvin 'Pastor Troy' Thomas and Woodrow Walker. In the Ward 1 alderman race, Deyoung Haymer is projected to replace Charles E. Jenkins, receiving 229 votes and topping challenger Carl Mitchell.

  • The election took place on April 7, 2026.

The players

Macklyn Austin

The projected winner for mayor of Yazoo City.

Calvin 'Pastor Troy' Thomas

One of the candidates for mayor of Yazoo City.

Woodrow Walker

One of the candidates for mayor of Yazoo City.

Deyoung Haymer

The projected winner for Ward 1 alderman in Yazoo City.

Charles E. Jenkins

The previous Ward 1 alderman in Yazoo City.

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The takeaway

The election of a new mayor and Ward 1 alderman in Yazoo City represents a shift in local leadership, which could lead to changes in priorities and policies for the city. The results suggest that voters were seeking new voices and perspectives in their elected officials.