Parker Wiseman made history with his election as mayor of Starkville. The 28-year-old Mississippi State graduate is the youngest mayor to ever be elected in the city’s history.
Wiseman ran as the Democratic candidate, defeating former Alderman Matt Cox in the democratic primary for a spot on the ballot. He won the election in June, defeating Republican candidate Marnita Henderson.
A Starkville native, Wiseman graduated from Starkville High School. He earned a bachelors degree in political science from MSU. There he was elected Student Association President and voted Mr. MSU.
He then earned a Masters degree in public administration from the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There he was elected vice president of the graduate student body.
Wiseman earned a law degree from the University of Mississippi where he was president of the Law School Student Body, a member of the Moot Court Board and served as a staff member and the office manager of the Mississippi Law Journal.
“He’s young, but his education more than makes up for his youth,” Junior political science major Ty Scott said.
Scott said he worked for Wiseman during his mayoral campaign.
“I’m not registered to vote here, but I believe that he’s a competent leader that will make Starkville a better place to live,” Scott said. “I got involved to gain experience and to help who I thought was the best candidate.”
Scott said Wiseman’s campaign technique was very effective.
“Wiseman’s campaign was the first I’d worked with, and his was a very personal door-to-door campaign, covering every neighborhood,” he said.
Junior political science major Laura Elizabeth Tate was also involved with Wiseman’s campaign. She said she learned quite a bit from working with Wiseman and the other volunteers.
“I have a better understanding for just how much work goes on behind the scenes of a campaign,” she said. “I gained a greater appreciation for the process.”
Though Tate is a registered Republican, she said she believes on the local level, party affiliation does not matter on the local level.
“Wiseman was the best choice based on his platform,” she said.
The Wiseman’s platform assured Starkville residents that he would work hard to try to improve the local economy, make the most of their tax dollars, improve conditions for the SPD and develop land wisely.
“Many people really believed in what Parker had in mind for the city,” Tate said.
Senior political science major Drew Cleek worked on the campaign for Cox, but said he was non-partial.
“I just wanted to get involved,” he said. “Parker is a really cool guy, just a good ol’ boy, and he really wants to help students and all-aged residents of Starkville.”
Scott said his experience reminded him every voter is important.
“I learned that the best strategy is to be honest with people. He was upfront from the beginning.” Scott said. “You have to make sure every citizen knows they are important to you as a leader.”
Cleek said Wiseman did a good job of reaching out to the middle-aged and young voters of the city.
“I think that’s how he dominated. His reaching out separated him,” Cleek said.
Tate said Wiseman was aware of how influential the student body can be.
“Parker really makes an effort to get students involved in the politics of their community. He wants their voice to be heard,” she said. “That’s one heck of a strong voice.”
Scott said he believes Wiseman will be as conscious of students during his time in office as he was during his campaign.
“He will do his best to serve the people of Starkville and take care of students. Parker remembers what it’s like to be a student at State,” Scott said.
Tate said she is glad to have gained experience helping with the campaign and is excited to see Wiseman lead the city of Starkville for the next four years.
“I’m thrilled that our work paid off and he was elected,” she said.