Zach Servis Reflects on Mayoral Bid, Life Journey, and Vision for Jackson in Wide-Ranging Interview
In a candid and wide-ranging interview on the “Bigger Pie” podcast, hosted by Northside Sun publisher Wyatt Emmerich, Jackson mayoral candidate Zach Servis opened up about his upbringing, motivations for running, and the vision he holds for the city of Jackson—even after his loss in the most recent election.
Servis, a young newcomer to local politics, ran an outsider campaign in the Jackson mayoral race, ultimately garnering just over 2.5 percent of the vote. Despite the result, he told Emmerich the effort was “100% worth it.”
“I felt like I needed to speak up. There are a lot of people in this city who don’t feel heard,” Servis said. “I wanted to show them that someone was willing to take that first step.”
From California to Mississippi
Servis began his story with his early years in California, describing his upbringing in a suburb of Oakland before relocating to Fort Worth, Texas, where he spent most of his childhood. He later moved to Mississippi at age 18 to live with his grandparents in Madison County after they built a home there using a VA loan.
Although he initially saw the move as temporary, Mississippi became his long-term home. “At first, it was just a place to regroup,” he said. “But I quickly found work and a community. Jackson kind of grew on me.”
Early Work Experience and Discovering Jackson
Upon arriving in Mississippi, Servis started working in the service industry, taking a job at Chick-fil-A. He credited the experience with helping him develop the people skills and discipline that would shape his later ambitions.
“The Chick-fil-A cow was my first campaign manager,” he joked, recalling his early stint dressing in the restaurant's mascot costume to wave at traffic on County Line Road.
He later moved on to a job at a local college, where he took on more responsibilities and began considering a longer-term future in the area. He also worked in healthcare technology and security systems, giving him broad exposure to the challenges facing Jackson residents—from infrastructure decay to public safety concerns.
Entry into Politics
Servis said the decision to run for mayor was motivated by what he called a lack of leadership and responsiveness in city government. He spoke about the broken state of Jackson’s infrastructure, ongoing water crises, and persistent crime—all issues that, in his view, were being ignored or mismanaged.
“People would call about a pothole or a water leak and not hear anything back for months,” he said. “It wasn’t about politics; it was about leadership and service.”
Despite lacking name recognition and funding, Servis ran a grassroots campaign. He made use of social media, neighborhood canvassing, and word-of-mouth to share his message.
“I didn’t have consultants or a big team. It was just me, my fiancée, and a few friends,” he said. “But what I found was that people appreciated the authenticity.”
Lessons Learned and What’s Next
Servis acknowledged that he didn’t expect to win the election but saw it as a stepping stone. “This was about laying the groundwork,” he said. “Now that people know my name, the next time I run—whether it’s for council, mayor, or something else—I won’t be starting from zero.”
Emmerich pressed him on whether he saw himself as a Republican or Democrat, to which Servis responded that he preferred to be independent, although he aligned with some conservative values.
“I’m more about what works than any particular party,” he said. “Jackson’s problems aren’t partisan—they’re practical.”
Faith, Family, and Philosophy
Throughout the podcast, Servis returned repeatedly to the theme of faith. He described his Christian beliefs as central to his identity and political philosophy. “I feel like the Lord called me to do this,” he said.
He also credited his grandparents and fiancée with giving him the strength to persevere in the campaign, even when the odds seemed long. “There were moments I wanted to quit,” he admitted. “But they reminded me why I started.”
Servis emphasized the need for transparency and community involvement in city government. “We need town halls that are more than just talk,” he said. “People want action, not promises.”
A Fresh Voice in Jackson Politics
Though his campaign was short on funding, Servis used the platform to highlight issues that many Jackson residents feel are ignored by the political establishment.
He spoke about fixing neglected roads, supporting small businesses, improving the police force, and overhauling the city’s failing infrastructure. “I want Jackson to be a place where young families want to stay—not flee,” he said.
While the election may be over, Servis made it clear that he’s not finished with politics. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I believe in this city, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Emmerich, who has long chronicled Jackson’s political landscape, said he was impressed by Servis’s thoughtfulness and sincerity. “You’re the kind of voice this city needs to hear more from,” he said as the podcast wrapped up.
As Jackson continues to wrestle with systemic challenges, voices like Zach Servis—young, hopeful, and grounded in service—may become increasingly central to the city’s future.
