With a predominantly Black city and more Black registered voters than ever, the question arises: Can Mayor Friday Ellis, who won his first term with a modest 6,835 votes, secure a second term? Two Black candidates, former Mayor Jamie Mayo and Mrs. Betty Cooper, say it won’t happen again.
Four years ago, Ellis’s victory was marked by an enthusiastic 58% turnout from North Monroe voters, including about 700 Black citizens. However, the Black community, crippled by COVID and other problems, was a mere 33 percent, despite having enough Blacks registered to double Ellis’s total count.
This low turnout was a missed opportunity, considering that Black voters comprise roughly 63 percent of all registered voters in Monroe.
The consequences of this low turnout were evident. Mayor Ellis, having won without substantial support from the Black community, gave only superficial attention to critical minority issues, such as economic development in South Monroe and the city’s rising crime rate. The spoils of his victory largely catered to his base, leaving others feeling overlooked.
As we approach the 2024 election, the landscape is different. In 2020, the Black community was grappling with the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and a destructive tornado. Churches were closed, no assemblies were held and leaders were handicapped. This year, with improved circumstances and heightened awareness, is believed that things will be different.
The presence of two African-American candidates in the race is not a significant factor. Historical precedents, like the 1996 election, where four Black candidates ran but still led to a victory for Abe E. Pierce, III, showed that with a 40% turnout in the Black community, it’s a done deal. The key lies in mobilizing Black voters to achieve a turnout of 40 percent or more, an attainable feat that has resulted in past victories.
A 40 percent or higher turnout in the Black community could easily surpass Ellis’s expected 7,000 vote count, potentially forcing a runoff.
A referendum would essentially be a “look like me” contest– a choice between a candidate who reflects the majority of the city’s demographic versus an incumbent perceived as disconnected from their needs.
This sentiment was recently echoed by Reverend Clarence Jackson, who told those in attendance at the Riverside Baptist Church musical that while he has nothing against Mayor Ellis, he prefers a leader who mirrors the community’s identity.
The strategies of Black candidates Jamie Mayo and Betty Ward Cooper reflect this understanding. They focus on highlighting the Ellis Administration’s shortcomings, aiming for a place in the likely runoff where the support of the other and a united Black voting bloc could prove decisive.
The current mood among the Black community in Monroe is one of cautious engagement. While there’s no overt excitement for any particular candidate, the prevailing sentiment is a pragmatic one. The choice in this election is seen not just in terms of policy but also in terms of representation and understanding – “The devil I know and the devil who doesn’t know or care about me.”
