With polling locations now closed, Mississippi voters are anxiously awaiting to see who will take office in the White House, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate, among various judgeship roles. As the numbers come in, this article will be updated with live results for all races. If any of the below races do not result in a candidate reaching the 50 percent benchmark, runoff elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
U.S. President
Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump clinched their party nominations back in March. However, the election was upended with Biden, the incumbent, announcing his departure from the race and paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Mississippi has historically been a red state when it comes to the White House, as the last time residents voted in favor of a Democrat was Jimmy Carter in 1976.
While third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., was still on the ballot in Mississippi, he encouraged residents to vote for Trump instead. Six other duos – representing the Mississippi Constitution Party, the Green Party, or those who are politically independent – were also available to residents to vote for.
U.S. Senate
One of Mississippi’s two U.S. Senate seats was on the ballot with incumbent Republican Roger Wicker being challenged by Democrat Ty Pinkins. While Wicker had full coffers on his side, Pinkins has run on issues such as abortion rights and access to healthcare. Wicker, considered one of the most effective Republicans in the Senate, is the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee and said if the chamber turns red and he becomes chairman, he will advocate for a Ronald Reagan-based plan of strengthening military power to preserve peace.
U.S. House – District 1
Republican incumbent Trent Kelly is challenged by Democrat Dianne Black. Black, a perennial candidate who’s previously sought and lost local and federal races, fell to Kelly by 46 points in 2022. Kelly, who serves on the Armed Services Committee and Agriculture Committee, says he’s committed to economic development and strengthening national defense. Black is running as someone who will stand up for reproductive rights and access to affordable healthcare.
U.S. House – District 2
Mississippi’s longest-serving member of Congress, Bennie Thompson, is looking to keep his seat for a 16th term. The Democrat, who increased his name identity through work as chairman of the committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is also the ranking member on the Homeland Security Committee. He is being challenged by Ron Eller, a Republican endorsed by Gov. Tate Reeves. Eller is running on what he calls the “E-3 Plan,” which prioritizes education, economics, and energy.
U.S. House – District 3
After being forced to a GOP runoff in 2022, Michael Guest drew no challengers on either side this election cycle. Guest is chairman of the Ethics Committee and vice chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
U.S. House – District 4
Republican Mike Ezell is Mississippi’s newest face in Congress after winning a seat in 2022. Ezell, a former sheriff who now serves on the Homeland Security Committee and the Transportation Committee, is being challenged by Democrat Craig Raybon. While Ezell is opposed to abortion, that’s been one of Raybon’s main talking points.
Mississippi Supreme Court – District 1, Position 3
Justice Jim Kitchens has four challengers as the veteran judge seeks a third term. Jenifer Branning, a state senator, has hit the campaign trail hard while Ceola James is a former Mississippi Court of Appeals judge. Byron Carter is a former Supreme Court clerk who now practices as an appellate attorney. Robinson, a Jackson-based attorney, has been mostly absent from the stump.
Mississippi Supreme Court – District 2, Position 2
Justice Dawn H. Beam, the only woman currently on the state’s high court, is seeking her second full term. She’s being challenged by Gulfport-based attorney and municipal judge David Sullivan.
Mississippi Supreme Court – District 3, Position 1
Justice Bobby Chamberlin is unopposed on the way to a second term. Chamberlin is a former circuit judge and state senator who won a seat on the state’s high court during a 2016 runoff.
Mississippi Supreme Court – District 3, Position 2
Justice Jimmy Maxwell is unopposed on the way to a second full term. Maxwell is a former Mississippi Court of Appeals judge who stepped up to the state’s high court in 2015 before winning a full term during the 2016 election cycle.
Mississippi Court of Appeals – District 5, Position 2
The only contested Court of Appeals race includes three candidates – Ian Baker, Jennifer Schloegel, and Amy St. Pe’ – looking to take over Judge Joel Smith’s seat. Both Schloegel and St. Pe’ have judicial experience on lower courts while Baker is a prosecutor in Gulfport.
Mississippi Court of Appeals – District 2, Position 2
Judge Latrice Westbrooks is unopposed on the way to a second term. Westbrooks served as a municipal judge in Lexington before being elected to the Court of Appeals in 2016.
Mississippi Court of Appeals – District 3, Position 1
Judge Jack Wilson is unopposed on the way to a second full term. Wilson served as an appellate attorney and counsel to former Gov. Phil Bryant before being appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2015. He won his first full term in 2016.
