JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Rep. William “Bo” Brown, a Jackson Democrat who served in the House since 2020 and previously sat on the Jackson City Council, died Monday after a lengthy illness, his family said.
Brown represented House District 20 in Hinds County, including part of Jackson, and served in the Mississippi House of Representatives since 2020. Before his legislative career, he served on the Jackson City Council from 1997 to 2005 and worked as an educator and coach in Jackson Public Schools.
Colleagues remembered Brown as a steady voice in the Capitol and a dedicated advocate for his district. He was appointed to the House committees on Judiciary B, Medicaid and Transportation.
Statements continue to pour in following his death.
Rep. Zakiya Summers, who served as Brown’s desk mate in the House, said she and her family were deeply saddened by his passing.
“My family and I express our deepest sympathies to the Brown family during this difficult time,” Summers said.
She said Brown left a lasting impression on her both as a legislator and as a friend.
“Representative William ‘Bo’ Brown and I shared a special bond as desk mates in the Mississippi House of Representatives for the past three years, but our connection extended far beyond our time as colleagues,” Summers said. “Long before we served together in the Legislature, my late mother and my father shared many stories with me about Bo and the kind of person he was.”
Summers said Brown brought thoughtfulness and conviction to the Legislature.
“Bo brought a unique perspective to every issue and every bill that came before the House,” she said. “His thoughtful approach and unwavering commitment to the people he represented enriched our discussions and strengthened our work.”
She added that Brown once told her how he wanted to be remembered.
“In the final days of the 2026 legislative session, I asked Representative Brown how he would like to be remembered,” Summers said. “Without hesitation, he told me that he wanted to be remembered as a man whose deep care and love for people ignited his passion to serve them.”
Brown’s death drew praise from state leaders as well. Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor called him a public servant with conviction, integrity and an unwavering commitment to his district. Gov. Tate Reeves said Brown cared deeply about Jackson and worked hard to improve the lives of the people he represented.
His legacy included years in local government, public service and education, along with a long record of work on behalf of Jackson residents.
