The Jackson Democratic Municipal Executive Committee has barred Mayor Frank Melton from seeking re-election, after finding he did not meet the city’s residency requirements.

Tuesday’s unanimous vote takes Melton’s name off the ballot for the May 5 Democratic primary.

Melton said the ruling is “unfair” and he will challenge it.

The committee said the problem was with Melton’s homestead exemption filings.

Tax records show Melton has not filed for homestead exemption in Jackson. Instead, Smith County, Texas, tax records show Melton has filed for the exemption there. Melton and his wife, Ellen, own homes in Jackson and Texas.

Melton disputes the records and claims he filed for homestead exemption in Jackson in 2008.