John Caldwell | |
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| Member of the Mississippi Transportation Commission from the Northern district | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Mike Tagert |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Caldwell NearNesbit, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Arkansas State University (BS) Columbia Southern University (MBA) |
John Caldwell is a Mississippi politician serving on theMississippi Transportation Commission for the Northern District since 2020. A Republican, he previously worked as a transportation director for the largest school district in Mississippi and later served asDeSoto Countysupervisor. He ran for election to the Mississippi Transportation Commission in 2011 but lost. He ran again and won in 2019.
Caldwell was born nearNesbit, Mississippi to Elizabeth and Joe Caldwell. He graduated with aBachelor of Science fromArkansas State University and anMBA in Public Administration fromColumbia Southern University.[1]
A second generation U.S. Marine, he served inDesert Storm andIraqi Freedom. He retired as a colonel from the with a Bronze Star, a Legion of Merit, and other awards.[1][2]
He is a small business owner inSouthaven, Mississippi. He was the transportation director for the largest school district in Mississippi, located inDeSoto County. He worked in the transportation industry after his job in the school district.[1] He works as a volunteer firefighter.[3]
He served as DeSoto Countysupervisor from 1996 to 2003, becoming the firstRepublican to ever sit on the board.[1][3]In 2011, he ran for theMississippi Transportation Commission for the Northern District during a special election upon the death of commissioner Bill Minor.[4] During the campaign, he embraced his Republican affiliation and called for a new Mississippi Department of Transportation executive director.[5] He lost the race toMike Tagert after a runoff.[4]
He again for the Transportation Commissionin 2019, defeating Geoffrey Yoste 56% to 43%. He won 63% to 38% in the general election against Joe Grist. He won reelectionin 2023 uncontested.[6] As commissioner, he postposed $100 million in emergency road and bridge money for cities and counties.[7]
He is married to Lee Perkins Caldwell since 1982, DeSoto County supervisor, and has four children.[1][8][3]
Statewide political officials ofMississippi | ||
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