J. P. "Jay" Hughes Jr. (born August 28, 1963) is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 12th District for four years, being first elected in 2015.[1][2]
J. P. Hughes Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 12th district | |
| In office January 5, 2016 – January 7, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Brad Mayo |
| Succeeded by | Clay Deweese |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 28, 1963 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Cris Moroney |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Nicholls State University (BA) University of Mississippi (JD) |
| Website | Campaign website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1981–1984 (Active) 1984–1988 (Reserve) |
| Unit | 1st Cavalry Division |
Career
editHughes was born in Houston, Texas and earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Economics at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.[3] Hughes is a 1991 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, and a practicing attorney in Oxford, Mississippi.[4]
Hughes served in the US Army from 1981-1984 and served in the Army Reserves from 1984-1988. He is an expert marksman and served at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina, Ft. Gordon in Georgia and Ft. Hood in Texas, as well as temporary duty in Michigan, England, France and Germany.[5]
In 2013, Hughes began his political career when he was elected to Alderman of Ward 1 of Oxford, Mississippi, defeating Ney Williams.[6] Hughes campaigned on issues of streamlined decision making for the Oxford Board of Aldermen, responsible growth, and better partnerships between the City of Oxford and University of Mississippi.[7]
Hughes was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives on November 3, 2015 when he defeated Republican Brad Mayo with 55.1% of the vote.[8] Hughes donated his Alderman and Legislative session salaries to his local school districts and also volunteers as a substitute teacher in order to learn more about the troubles and issues public school teachers and students face.[9]
He and his wife were jointly awarded 2012 Oxford School District Citizen of the Year.[10]
On May 3, 2018 Hughes announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor in 2019.[11] He lost to the Republican challenger.
2016 legislative session
editHughes served on Judiciary A; Judiciary En Banc; Medicaid; Accountability, Efficiency & Transparency; and Constitution committees.[12] The House introduced 1,789 bills, and 376 became law.[13] Hughes supported the maintenance of state roads and bridges, and a campaign finance and ethics reform measure.
2017 legislative session
editHughes again served on Judiciary A; Judiciary En Banc; Medicaid; Accountability, Efficiency & Transparency; and Constitution committees.[12]
References
edit- ^ "J.P Hughes". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Pender, Geoff. "GOP picks up seats in Legislature; Dem leader Moak out". Clarion Ledger. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "Mississippi Legislature Members". Mississippi Legislature. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
- ^ "Hughes Brown PLLC". Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "Attorney/Developer". billstatus.ls.state.ms.us. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ Rayburn, Newt. "City of Oxford, Mississippi Alderman Elections for Ward 1 and Ward 2 are Tuesday, June 4, 2013". The Local Voice. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ Rayburn, Newt. "City of Oxford, Mississippi Alderman Elections for Ward 1 and Ward 2 are Tuesday, June 4, 2013". The Local Voice. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ^ "Ballotpedia Jay Hughes". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
- ^ Bryant, Callie Daniels (October 28, 2015). "Mayo, Hughes Campaign to Represent District 12 in Mississippi House - HottyToddy.com". HottyToddy.com. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ "Elected and Appointed Government Officials 2017 – Page 10 – Mississippi Top 50". mstop50.com. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ Bedillion, Caleb (May 3, 2018). "Jay Hughes announces lieutenant governor run". Daily Journal. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ a b Mississippi State Legislature. "House of Representatives Committee Listing". Mississippi State Legislature. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
- ^ "2016 Mississippi Legislative Session Summary" (PDF). Mississippi Legislature. Retrieved June 23, 2017.