Columbus Ward 6 city council member Jason Spears announced plans to run for the Lowndes County District 2 supervisor seat in 2027, saying he intends to keep serving on the city council throughout the campaign. Spears, a Republican, currently represents District 2 supervisor Trip Hairston's neighboring political turf from the council dais, and he says his current job and his new campaign won't conflict.
A Councilman Eyes County Government
According to The Dispatch, Spears has represented Ward 6 on the Columbus City Council since July 2025. He also served 10 years on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees and was appointed to the Columbus Redevelopment Authority in 2022, a post he resigned from in 2025. Spears owns JDS Wealth Strategies in Columbus.
Spears said his commitment to Ward 6 citizens has not changed, and he plans to continue working on behalf of his council constituents even as he campaigns countywide. He said his run for supervisor will not interfere with his council responsibilities, and he intends to keep serving on the council throughout the race.
What Happens if He Wins
Per the same report, Spears would resign from the city council upon taking office as supervisor in 2028 if he wins the District 2 seat. Both Mississippi state law and the Columbus city charter require a special election to fill the remainder of his council term in that scenario, the outlet notes.
Spears is seeking to replace Trip Hairston, who currently represents District 2 on the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. Hairston, per the same account, plans to run for Mississippi State Senate District 17 in 2027 rather than seek another term as supervisor. That seat is currently held by Chuck Younger, who intends to leave the state senate to run for northern district transportation commissioner. Qualifying for the 2027 election opens in January 2027.
Spears Pitches Economic Growth
Spears said economic development would remain an important focus if he's elected, and he plans to pursue new businesses, industries, retail development and high-quality employment opportunities for the district. He said Columbus and Lowndes County should become one of Mississippi's most prosperous communities, arguing the region needs a strong financial foundation, modern infrastructure and an environment welcoming investment.
He also said he wants to strengthen the relationship between Columbus and Lowndes County, noting the city and county share an economy, workforce, infrastructure, businesses, neighborhoods and families. Spears said he seeks to maximize his service to both Columbus and Lowndes County by pursuing both roles at once.
A District With a History of Crowded Races
District 2 has drawn multiple contenders before. In 2019, retired metal and factory worker Clarence Berry qualified as the second Republican candidate in that year's race, joining Hairston, according to cdispatch.com. Berry told the outlet he had “definite things” he wanted to do for the district but offered no specifics at the time.
A third Republican, James Lee Harrison, later joined that race as well, according to cdispatch.com. Harrison, a 12-year employee of the Lowndes County roads department, said his priority would be road maintenance, telling the outlet, “I'd make sure roads are maintained as they are now.” All three 2019 candidates were vying to replace two-term supervisor Bill Brigham, who was not seeking re-election; qualifying for that cycle ended March 1, with party primaries held in August.
