Frustration with Both Mayor and Governor Over Water Crisis
Residents in the City of Jackson rate Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s overall job performance as a net -8% negative but give him significantly lower marks (-14%) when it comes to his handling of the city’s current water crisis. Governor Tate Reeves – who declared a state of emergency on Monday – receives lower marks for his performance in handling of the city’s water crisis: a net -34% among Jackson voters.
There exists a significant racial divide in the ratings of both these elected officials. African American voters (84% of those surveyed) give Lumumba a -4.1% net negative rating and Governor Reeves a net -40.8% rating. White Jacksonians (14% of those surveyed) give Lumumba a net negative -50.6% rating on the water crisis and Governor Reeves a net positive 10.8% rating.
No Consensus on How to Fund Repairs and Manage Jackson Water System Going Forward
When presented with three options for moving forward, 30.6% of Jackson voters said the state should help fund the repairs and that the City should continue to oversee the repairs and long-term operations. 30.1% preferred a state created regional water authority to run the plant with board appointees from both the City and Hinds County. 26.6% favored a state takeover of the City of Jackson water system. 12.7% are unsure of the best path.
Again, the preferences for long term solutions are different with African American and white voters: Only 24.2% of African Americans in the city favor a complete state takeover of the system compared to 40% of white Jacksonians. However, only 32.1% of African Americans want the city to continue to run the water system and only 21.4% of white Jacksonians prefer this path. 14.5% of African Americans are unsure on the best course of action at this time.
A Shifting Environment
We expect opinions to continue to evolve as voters learn more about the City’s recent management history over the Jackson water system. Moreover, this survey was conducted before Congressman Bennie Thompson spoke extensively on the matter. The Congressman, whose district includes most of the City of Jackson, is taking a strong interest in both a short-term fix and long-term solution.
Congressman Thompson has paved the way for more direct federal involvement and, in an interview published Friday afternoon, has refused to back the idea of City management of the water system, and continues to ask for a detailed City plan. Given his legislative clout, relationships with the White House and popularity in the district, it is doubtful that any lasting solution will be reached without Congressman Thompson’s approval.
You can find full-weighted crosstabs and toplines here.
About Blueprint
Blueprint Polling is a sister company to Chism Strategies that conducts survey research in federal, state, and local elections. This survey of 491 voters September 1 – 2, 2022, included land line and mobile phone responses and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%. Blueprint conducted this research with no input or funding from any candidate, committee, or interest group. For more information call Brad Chism at 601.918.4563 or email brad@chismstrategies.com.
