Voters in Jefferson County have elected political newcomer Jackie Tillmon as the next justice of the peace for District 1, unseating longtime incumbent Alfred Carroll Sr. following a closely watched runoff election.
Final, unofficial results were 273-168 in Tillmon’s favor.
In a pointed post-election interview, Tillmon did not hold back when addressing her opponent, criticizing both his leadership and conduct during the campaign.
“He lied — a flat-footed lie on me,” Tillmon said, accusing Carroll of spreading false claims about her political affiliation and campaign backing. “If you have to go to that extent to try to degrade me when you don’t even know me, that’s not fair. His character … that’s what I had a problem with.”
Tillmon’s victory marks a significant shift in District 1 leadership, ending Carroll’s 24-year tenure on the Quorum Court.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Carroll has long been considered one of the most knowledgeable members of the Quorum Court, particularly in procedural rules and governance. During his tenure, he also witnessed and helped shape a transformation in representation within county government.
“When the voters allowed me 24 years ago to come in … there were only four African Americans on the court,” Carroll said. “Now you look, and almost all the elected officials in county government are African American, and they’re young.”
But Carroll’s time on the court has also coincided with years of tension within the Quorum Court, particularly involving budget disputes and disagreements with the County Judge’s office. Those conflicts have at times slowed budget approvals, sparked public criticism, and contributed to a perception among residents that county government was divided and, at times, ineffective.
That perception became a central theme in Tillmon’s campaign.
“I felt like we were moving backwards instead of forward,” she said, pointing to a lack of growth in District 1 and ongoing friction within county leadership.
Beyond policy disagreements, Tillmon questioned how Carroll operated within the Quorum Court itself.
“I watched you … Bowing your head to the other JPs on how to vote,” she said, suggesting he was not an independent voice on key decisions.
Carroll, however, pushed back on that characterization.
“I have not conspired with other members,” Carroll said in response to those claims, noting that his votes have often differed from others on the court. He explained that looking down or marking during meetings is simply part of tracking discussions and votes — not a signal of alignment or agreement.
She also tied broader dysfunction on the court to communication breakdowns among members.
“If everybody is talking and nobody’s listening, we get nothing done,” Tillmon said.
Her campaign emphasized a shift toward collaboration and what she described as a more solution-oriented approach.
Tillmon’s strongest criticism centered on what she described as personal attacks during the campaign. She accused Carroll of distributing false information, labeling her as a Republican, alleging she accepted “dark money,” and tying her to national political figures.
“If you have to go to that extent to try to degrade me… that’s not fair,” she said, adding that the situation directly impacted her decision to speak out following the election.
Carroll defended his campaign messaging, pointing to a mailer tied to Tillmon’s campaign that he said raised legitimate questions.
According to Carroll, a flyer, not her initial campaign push card, highlighted issues such as protecting private property and rural economic development, and was paid for by “RED PAC,” which he described as a Republican-oriented political action committee based in Dallas.
Carroll said his references to that group were rooted in concerns about outside influence in local races, describing it as “dark money,” or funding that is not fully transparent to voters.
The tension has not fully subsided. While Carroll said he would be willing to offer guidance if asked, Tillmon indicated any collaboration would require accountability first.
“I feel he owes me an apology… he must come to me to clear the air,” she said.
Despite the contentious race, Tillmon said her focus now turns to delivering results for District 1.
Her top priorities include working to bring a full-service grocery store to the area, building workforce partnerships for youth, and strengthening oversight of county budgeting processes.
“I want to work with the city council for a grocery store with fresh meat for our area,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for stronger coordination between city and county leadership to address infrastructure concerns, such as drainage and sewage issues raised by residents.
Tillmon said voters consistently expressed frustration with county government and a desire for more responsiveness and transparency.
“They were ready for change and tired of always looking at the Quorum Court as being dysfunctional,” she said.
To address that, she plans to host regular community forums, “Talk to the JP” sessions, to stay directly connected with constituents.
In defeat, Carroll struck a reflective tone, emphasizing both his experience and willingness to support a smooth transition.
“I just hope I can be an asset to help smooth out the transition for the incoming administration,” he said.
He also acknowledged Tillmon’s victory.
“She took on a 24-year veteran, and she won,” Carroll said. “If asked, I’d be willing to share some insight.”
Tillmon said she wants her time in office to be defined by transparency, integrity, and tangible progress.
“I want them to say I was true about what I was doing and that I cared about District 1,” she said. “That’s what I want them to remember.”