Sonya Williams-Barnes qualifies as mayoral candidate for Gulfport

Qualifying has begun for municipal elections in South Mississippi.

Former State Representative Sonya Williams-Barnes officially qualified to run for mayor of Gulfport at City Hall on Thursday afternoon.

Incumbent mayor Billy Hewes is retiring after three terms in the role.

Williams-Barnes spoke to WXXV on the biggest issues she plans on tackling if elected, specifically, homelessness and gun violence are some of the top items on her agenda.

Qualifying for municipal elections ends at 5PM on January 31st.

If you’re not registered to vote, March 3rd is the registration deadline in order for you to be able to vote in these elections.

Primaries will be held on April 1st, and runoff elections are set for April 22nd if necessary. June 3rd is set as general election day, with elected officials being sworn in for new terms on July 1st.