AJ Massey announces candidacy for Madison County mayor

Angele Latham, Jackson Sun
·2 min read

Jackson-Madison County School Board member AJ Massey on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the Republican ticket for Madison County mayor at downtown Jackson's ComeUnity Cafe.

Mayoral candidate AJ Massey announces his campaign on December 29, 2021.
Mayoral candidate AJ Massey announces his campaign on December 29, 2021.

As afternoon storms lashed the restaurant, which was bedecked in AJ Massey signs, Massey described his platform as the future of Madison County.

"I want to talk about tomorrow," he said. "Tomorrow is a new day. It’s unknown and exciting….Tomorrow is where hope lives and opportunities reside. Madison County is on the cusp of an extremely exciting tomorrow."

Massey will run in the May 3, 2022 primary for Madison County Mayor.

Madison County Trustee John Newman is also running for the Republican ticket.

Current mayor Jimmy Harris recently announced that he does not intend to run for another term.

Massey, a longtime resident of Madison County, has worked in the county's financial industry for 17 years and served three years on the Madison County school board.

Massey described the school board as inspiration for his run.

"I’ve seen the need our county has on the educational front, but being in that world you tend to see and watch and pay attention to the other facets of the county," he said. "So seeing an opportunity to serve in this way is something I really prayed about, and finally decided this was the right move and right time to throw my hat into the ring for future leadership."

Upcoming job opportunities like Blue Oval City, Great Wolf Lodge and healthcare and manufacturing growth in the county were key points of Massey's speech.

He also emphasized increasing focus on county school systems, supporting law enforcement efforts and lowering the cost of living in the county as primary goals of his proposed administration.

Mayoral candidate AJ Massey speaks to a crowd gathered at the ComeUnity Cafe Wednesday afternoon to announce his campaign.
Mayoral candidate AJ Massey speaks to a crowd gathered at the ComeUnity Cafe Wednesday afternoon to announce his campaign.

"I want to serve the citizens of Madison County with conservative principles that will lead to better schools, a thriving business environment, top tier healthcare and the smoothest roads," he said. "Where people feel safe, have diverse options and amenities and have a low cost of living."

"I want to be a part of the story of Madison County’s tomorrow.:

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 731-343-5212, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: AJ Massey announces candidacy for Madison County mayor