Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi will no longer seek reelection to the Indianola Board of Aldermen.
Fratesi officially submitted his notice of withdrawal in writing this week to the Democratic Executive Committee. He did so in time to not appear on the October 14 primary ballot.
This leaves Alex Deason as the only certified candidate in the race.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Ward 1 and Indianola for my past seven terms,” Fratesi said in his withdrawal letter to the committee. “I feel that now my focus should be on my family as I will be spending the majority of my time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I wish the mayor and board of aldermen, as well as the citizens of Indianola the best.”
Three seats on the board are now sure to have a new face in 2026. Ward 2 Alderman Darrell Simpson and Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder opted not to run for reelection this year.
Fratesi has served Ward 1 as alderman for the past 28 years.
