Today, the Jackson County Legislature voted 8-0 to schedule a special election to recall County Executive Frank White, Jr. following the certification of more than 42,900 valid signatures by Jackson County residents.
Chairman McGee stated: “The people of Jackson County have spoken, and we must listen. Today’s action by the Legislature ensures that voters will have the opportunity to decide this matter directly, as outlined in our Charter and laws.”
Prior to this afternoon’s vote, White had issued a statement placing the blame on wealthy backers of the failed stadium tax in 2023.
“This recall effort is being funded, staffed and driven by many of the same political forces that backed the failed stadium tax campaign,” it reads. “After spending upwards of $10 million trying to convince voters to approve a blank check for new stadiums – and losing – they’ve now turned their attention to forcing a costly recall election. Much of the funding for this recall has come through a dark money political action committee that shields the identities of its donors from public view. That PAC has paid out-of-state contractors to gather signatures, making this anything but a grassroots effort.”
While White sided with the taxpayers on the stadium tax issue, he had failed to side with property owners who questioned exorbitant property tax increases over the past five years. Up until recently, he and his administration were battling a mandate from the State Tax Commission and a circuit court to roll back 2023 and 2024 property taxes to no more than a 15 percent increase from the 2022 value. White and various legislator were at odds in passing the 2025/2026 budget in March, having finally reached an agreement in June as programs began to suffer.
“We’ve heard from many residents—retirees, small business owners, families—who are facing real financial pressure and uncertainty,” says McGee. “This petition reflects that a significant number of people felt compelled to act, and as public servants, it’s our job to honor that.”
White pointed out that the recall violates Ordinance 5782, “which this very body passed less than two years ago.,” he wrote. “That ordinance clearly states: ‘If no legal election date is available within sixty days, the election will occur at the next available election after certification of the Petition.’
The special election will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
“Our responsibility is to carry out this process with fairness, transparency, and integrity,” says McGee. “We are here to ensure that the rule of law is followed and that voters have confidence in how this process unfolds.”
The Jackson County Election Board will provide voting locations and ballot language in the coming days.