While cities across Mississippi were busy holding municipal primary runoffs on Tuesday, two races for the state’s House of Representatives were also being held.
Following the deaths of lawmakers Andy Stepp (District 23) and Charles Young, Jr. (District 82), voters were asked to elect candidates to fill the unexpired terms of both.
In District 23, which encompasses Calhoun and parts of Lafayette, Pontotoc, and Webster counties, unofficial results show Perry Bailey with a slight lead over Colby Bollinger. Bailey, a farmer and businessman, previously held the seat as a Republican after former state Rep. Jim Beckett resigned. After a brief stint at the capitol, where he served on multiple committees including Agriculture and Forestry, Bailey lost to Stepp in his bid for reelection in 2023.
Bollinger, who was 32 votes behind Bailey as of Wednesday morning with affidavit ballots left to be counted, serves on the Calhoun County School District’s board and leans to the right with his anti-abortion and tax-cutting platform points.
Both Bailey and Bollinger advanced from a five-candidate field during the March 25 special election.
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In District 82, which encompasses part of Lauderdale County including Meridian, the race between Gregory Elliott and Joseph Norwood was called with Elliott receiving over 65% of the vote. Elliott is known for his community work, serving on the Meridian Civil Service Commission, and even received public support from some of Young’s family members.
“As a proud resident of District 82, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities we face,” Elliott wrote in a social media post before the runoff. “Whether it’s ensuring our children receive top-notch education, creating good-paying jobs, improving healthcare access, or safeguarding the values we hold dear, I am committed to working for you.”
With special elections in Mississippi requiring candidates to run unaffiliated, it’s unclear if Elliott will declare a party upon being sworn in. Young held the position as a Democrat from 2012 until his death in December.
Elliott and Norwood advanced from a three-candidate field during the March 25 special election.
