State Sen. David Jordan put a political whooping on Earl Blackmon in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, continuing his strong hold on District 24.
Jordan captured 59 percent of the vote overall with his strongest performance in Leflore and Tallahatchie counties in unofficial returns. Portions of those two counties as well as Holmes County are included in the district.
Jordan, who has held the office since 1993, said he’s grateful for the continued support.
“People appreciate an individual if he does the best for them despite the odds. That’s what we try to do for them,” he said.
Jordan, 77, a retired science teacher who also serves on the Greenwood City Council, said it wasn’t just African-Americans who voted for him but some whites as well.
“That’s healthy for me, and that’s healthy for the district that you can get support from across the board,” said Jordan, who is black.
He’ll move on to face independent Rogrick Wardell, who has not raised any money or noticeably campaigned, in the Nov. 8 general election.
Some had projected that Blackmon, a Lexington insurance agent, could give Jordan a stiff challenge. It didn’t turn out that way except in Blackmon’s home county. Blackmon received 2,210 votes in Holmes County compared to 2,206 votes for Jordan.
But in Leflore County, Jordan got 1,815 votes, 69 percent, to 814 votes, 31 percent, for Blackmon.
The results were similar in Tallahatchie County. Jordan got 1,464 votes, 65 percent, there compared to 794, 35 percent, for Blackmon.
Blackmon, who had criticized Jordan for the entrenched poverty in District 24 leading up the election, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
• Contact Charlie Smith at csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
