Voters face non-partisan ballot to replace late Mississippi House members

Seven candidates will appear on non-partisan ballots on Tuesday, November 3, to fill two Mississippi state House seats left vacant by the recent deaths of State Rep. Price Wallace and State Rep. William "Bo" Brown. The special elections cover House District 77 in Rankin and Simpson counties and House District 70 in Hinds County. Winners will serve the remainder of a four-year term that concludes in January 2028.

Four individuals qualified to succeed Wallace in District 77. Christopher Dunn, chief financial officer for Vestra Revenue Management, brings over 20 years of banking experience. He describes himself as a conservative focused on faith, family, and fiscal responsibility. Dunn aims to make Mississippi more business-friendly while improving healthcare.

Dianne Gaddis owns 3 Girls Trucking and 3 Girls Trucking Academy. She supports expanding career and technical education, enhancing food security, increasing childcare options, and investing in infrastructure. Melissa Sullivan, a healthcare professional with more than 30 years of experience, identifies as a conservative Republican. She prioritizes strengthening gun rights, providing tax relief for residents and agricultural workers, and bringing healthcare options to rural areas.

Craig Williams is a farmer and the owner of Wildcat Creek Shooting Preserve. A former law enforcement officer, Williams supports higher pay for first responders, lower taxes for small businesses, and infrastructure improvements. In District 70, three candidates seek to succeed Brown.

Imelda Brown, the widow of the late representative, works in the Jackson Public School system and graduated from Tennessee State University. She opposes school choice and advocates for continued investment in public education. Marcus Cheatham served in the U.S. Army for 31 years. He lost a 2025 race for Jackson City Council to incumbent Kenneth Stokes. Cheatham supports infrastructure investments, economic development, and stronger public schools.

James Lott III is a Canton Alderman and Air National Guard veteran. He works as the director of student recreation at Hinds Community College. Lott supports data center development and continued advancement in public education. Both late representatives died less than a week apart, necessitating the concurrent special elections.