Thirty candidates have submitted documents with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office to run in 14 court-ordered special legislative elections later this year.
Of the 14 races, 10 appear to be contested, according to an MSOS document listing the candidates.
A federal three-judge panel last year ordered the Legislature to redraw its House and Senate districts in three areas because some districts were found to dilute Black voting power.
After the Legislature submitted a new map, the NAACP, which filed the lawsuit in 2022 that lead to the court order, challenged it. The panel later accepted an amended version of the map impacting the Desoto County area.
A voter grabs their ballot and “I voted” sticker before casting their ballot at during the municipal general election in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, June 3, 2023.
Candidates had until Monday at 5 p.m. to complete and file paperwork to run. The state Democratic and Republican Parties have until Friday at the same time to verify those candidates with MSOS.
Four of the 10 contested races will be decided via a primary that will take place on Aug. 5 because the candidates are all of the same party, and the rest will be decided after the Nov. 4 special election day.
Here is a list of those running in the 14 legislative districts
Senate District 1
This district now encompasses Tate and Desoto counties.
Jon Steverson- Republican
Michael McLendon-Republican incumbent
Senate District 2
This district is now in Tunica and Desoto counties.
SD 2’s incumbent, Sen. David Parker, R-Olive Branch, announced last week he will not be running in the special election.
Kelly Lisa Andress-Democrat
Theresa Gillespie Isom-Democrat
Robert J. Walker-Democrat
Senate District 11
This district is now in Tunica and Walls counties.
Kendall Prewitt- Republican
Reginald Jackson- Incumbent Democrat
Senate District 19
This district is now in Marshall and Desoto counties.
Kevin Blackwell-Incumbent Republican
Dianne Dodson Black- Democrat
Senate District 34- Unchallenged
The district is now in Convington, Jasper and Jones counties.
Juan Barnett- Incumbent Democrat
Senate District 41- Unchallenged
The district is now in Convington, Lamar, Marion and Walthall counties.
Joey Fillingane- Incumbent Republican
Senate District 42
The district is now in Forrest, Greene, Jones and Wayne counties
Robin Robinson- Republican
Senate District 44
This district is now in Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.
Chris Johnson- Incumbent Republican
Shakita T. Taylor- Democrat
Senate District 45
The district is now in Forrest and Lamar counties
Johnny L. DuPree- Democratic
House District 16
The district is now in Chickasaw, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties.
Ricky Thompson- Incumbent Democrat
House District 22
The district is now in Chickasaw, Clay and Monroe counties.
Jon Lancaster- Incumbent Republican
House District 36- Unchallenged
This district is now in Clay, Lowndes, Monroe and Oktibbeha counties.
Karl Gibbs- Incumbent Democrat
House District 39- Unchallenged
This district is now in Lowndes and Monroe counties.
Dana McLean- Incumbent Republican
House District 41
The district is in Lowndes County.
Kabir Karriem- Incumbent Democrat
To find more information about voting data regarding the redrawn House and Senate districts, people can visit the Mississippi Automated Resource Information System website.
Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Who is running for redistricted seats in Mississippi Legislature