Re-Elect Jefferson Mayor Jon Howell
Jefferson Mayor Jon Howell announced that he will seek re-election to the post to build on a record of success that has lowered taxes, kept the city safe, and maintained the highest quality of life in North Georgia while managing population growth.
“My wife Emily and I chose Jefferson because it’s a fantastic city to own a business and raise our two girls, and my service on City Council and then as mayor is about ensuring the great quality of life we enjoy here only gets better,” said Howell. “My friends and neighbors honored me with this position five years ago, and I ask that they return me to the job for another four years so that we can keep the momentum going.”
At a time of inflation and rising home prices, Howell protected homeowners with the biggest cuts to the millage rate in the city’s history.
“As a homeowner, businessman, and spouse of a small business owner, I understand that every dollar the city spends comes out of the pockets of people in our community who worked hard for those dollars,” Howell said. “I’ve vowed to keep taxes low, and our council has led the charge to prevent the backdoor tax increases through increased appraisals that many other Georgia communities are seeing. In a second term, Jeffersonians can expect that same focus on keeping taxes low.”
Under Howell’s leadership, Jefferson is rated as one of the top 5 safest cities in Georgia. It also has been recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association as “City of Ethics” and “City of Civility”. In addition, Jefferson has been designated as “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation and “Water First City” by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.
“There’s no more important role of local government than keeping people and property safe, and as our population grows, so will our public safety resources,” Howell said. “Already we’re building a new fire station that will equip our first responders to act more quickly to emergencies throughout the city.”
While change and growth are coming to Jackson County, Howell will aim to preserve what makes Jefferson a great place to live.
“Together, we’ve built a thriving community that people want to come to,” Howell said. “Our schools are the envy of the region, our children have top-notch recreational opportunities, and we’ve strategically invested in the infrastructure, like water resources, that are critical to quality of life. “I will run this campaign for re-election the way that I have served as mayor: with an open door and an extended hand. I will share my vision for the city, but I will also listen, because we’re in this together. I will work every day to earn your trust and your vote.”
LOCAL LEADERS ARE STANDING WITH MAYOR JON HOWELL
“I completely endorse Jon Howell in his bid to seek re-election as Mayor of Jefferson. Jon’s firm grasp on the issues in municipal government and his steady, calm demeanor are definitely an asset as he leads Jefferson into the future.”
ARCADE MAYOR DOUG HAYNIE
“I have been honored to endorse Jefferson Mayor Jon Howell in each of his elections,” said Mangum. “I believe in him and in how he represents the City of Jefferson. He has proven, as a leader, that he cares about the people and the City.”
RETIRED SHERIFF JANIS MANGUM
“As a business owner, a farmer, and a county commissioner, I value leaders who operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” said Elrod. “Mayor Jon Howell has consistently demonstrated those qualities in his service to Jefferson. He listens to every voice – from neighborhoods in the heart of downtown to farms on the edge of the city limits – and makes decisions with the entire community in mind. Jon is also a great partner to the county, and Jackson County is better because he is mayor of Jefferson. Jefferson is stronger today because of his leadership, and I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.”
JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER COLE ELROD
“For the past several years, Mayor Howell and I have worked together on several projects for the Jefferson community. I have found him to be an honest and skillful advocate for the citizens of Jefferson, and I recommend that he be given the opportunity to continue to lead as Mayor.”
JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER JIM HIX
“I have had the privilege of serving under four mayors during my 13 years on Council. While all of them are truly good men and good public servants, Jon has been the most effective mayor I have worked with. Jon’s leadership during our public meetings has increased transparency, civility, and made every voice heard. He has prioritized doing the right thing for all involved, and treating everyone with the dignity they deserve. Jefferson faces significant opportunities and challenges over the next tour years. I cannot imagine a better person to serve as our Mayor during that time than Jon Howell.”
COUNCILMAN MARK MOBLEY
“I fully endorse Jon Howell for continuing to serve as Mayor of Jefferson. Mayor Howell’s superior skills in listening, reasoning, and problem- solving greatly benefit Jefferson and all the other municipalities. Mayor Howell’s leadership with a positive attitude and his reputation as a relationship-builder span beyond Jefferson and Jackson Co.”
BRASELTON MAYOR Curt Ward
“I have served the District I council seat for 38 years. During this time I have served with five mayors. Jon Howell is at the top. His leadership is outstanding. I endorse Jon Howell for Mayor in 2025. We need him to carry Jefferson forward.”
COUNCILMAN STEVE KINNEY
“For my Jefferson family – Jon Howell has done a great job representing Jefferson these past several years. He is a well- spoken man of balanced logic and reason who always weighs the pros and cons in all things impacting the city. I am thankful and honored to call him my friend.”
FORMER COUNCILMAN CLINT ROBERTS
“Jon fights for every citizen of Jefferson, he has the respect of council and staff, and he represents the city with dignity, integrity, and strength. Jon values the citizens of Jefferson through hard work and leadership while lowering the millage rate every year in office, both as councilman and mayor. I could go on and on about his accomplishments but the list would be too long, so l’ll just say this… re- elect Jon Howell and keep the best person for Jefferson in charge of our great city.”
COUNCILMAN CODY CAIN
“As the Mayor of Commerce, I wholeheartedly endorse Jon Howell as the Mayor of Jefferson. The Chief Elected Official of our county seat is a key position. I have sat at the table with Jon on numerous occasions negotiating on behalf of all of the cities in Jackson County. His opinion is respected by the county and the cities collectively. Commerce and Jefferson have the closest relationship that we have enjoyed in decades, and Jon has played an important role in this. Relationships matter. I know that we can count on Jon to be the level-headed representative that we need to carry us through the growth that we all face.”
COMMERCE MAYOR CLARK HILL
“During my tenure on City Council, I’ve witnessed Mayor Jon Howell’s unwavering dedication to our community as well as his instrumental leadership in guiding our city through a period of historical growth while upholding our core values as a City,” said Crawford. “His leadership has helped pave the way for significant progress in our city, and I am excited for the future of Jefferson. I am honored to endorse Mayor Howell for another term as Mayor of the City of Jefferson.”
COUNCILMAN ALEX CRAWFORD
“Current council members reflect a shared appreciation for Mayor Howell’s leadership, vision, and results. Council members cited his ability to guide Jefferson through historic growth, his commitment to transparency and integrity, and his proven track record of representing all residents with dignity and strength.”
Councilmen Mark Mobley, Cody Cain, Alex Crawford, and Steve Kinney
Meet Jon
Jon Howell is a devoted husband, father, and committed member of The Jefferson Church. He and his wife, Emily Foster Howell, are raising their two daughters, Georgie (13) and Lucy (11), in Jefferson City Schools, giving him a personal stake in the future of the community he serves.
As Mayor, Jon has delivered measurable results that have strengthened Jefferson’s position for the future. Since taking office, he has helped lower the city’s millage rate every year, achieving an overall reduction of more than 23% while also leading the adoption of the largest budget in city history. His steady leadership has guided Jefferson through unprecedented growth while protecting the city’s values and fiscal health. That is why every active member of the Jefferson City Council has endorsed his re-election.
Jon’s career spans leadership roles in business, healthcare, and public affairs, including serving as Senior Vice President for Strategy for a statewide health system with more than 7,000 employees and $750 million in annual revenue. He has also led a major healthcare trade association, founded his own public affairs firm, and served on influential state and local boards, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. These experiences give him a deep understanding of economic development, government operations, and strategic problem-solving, the kind of expertise Jefferson expects in its mayor.
At a time when Jefferson’s growth brings both opportunities and challenges, proven leadership matters. Jon brings the experience, relationships, and results to keep Jefferson winning, ensuring our city continues to have a leader who understands the job, delivers on promises, and represents Jefferson with integrity.
On November 4th, re-elect Jon Howell as Mayor of Jefferson!
