Capitol Comments – This Week at the Mississippi Legislature January 13th-17th

Mississippi is set to hold at least three special elections this year to fill vacant legislative seats, with the possibility of more to come. Special elections will be held following the deaths of Representative Charles Young Jr. (December 19), a Democrat from Meridian, and Representative Andy Stepp (December 5), a Republican from Bruce. Additionally, Senator Jenifer Branning, a Republican from Philadelphia, vacated her seat after being elected to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Branning’s elevation to the Supreme Court left the Senate Transportation Committee Chairmanship vacant, prompting a shift in leadership. Former Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Chuck Younger, a Republican from Columbus, has stepped into the role of Transportation Chairman, creating an opening at the helm of the Agriculture Committee. Senator Neil Whaley, a Republican from Potts Camp, will now lead the Agriculture Committee. With deep ties to the agricultural community and a strong understanding of rural issues, Whaley is poised to continue advocating for Mississippi’s farmers, ranchers, and rural economies.

Governor Tate Reeves has announced that special elections for the seats of Young and Stepp will take place on March 25, with the deadline for candidates to qualify set for February 3. The election to fill Branning’s seat has yet to be scheduled. As these elections approach, the affected districts will be without legislative representation for a significant portion of the 2025 session.

In addition to these legislative special elections, municipal elections across the state could result in further vacancies. Representative Fred Shanks, a Republican from Brandon, has qualified to run for mayor of his city, while Senator John Horhn, a Democrat from Jackson, is running for mayor of the state capital. Should either of these lawmakers win their respective races, additional special elections will be needed to fill their legislative seats. The deadline for municipal candidates to qualify is January 31.