Governor Tate Reeves has made an appointment to fill a judicial vacancy in central Mississippi.
James Kent McDaniel has been selected to fill a vacancy in Rankin County for county court judge in the second place.
“I’m thankful for Judge McDaniel’s willingness to once again serve his community,” Reeves said. “Judge McDaniel has a long and distinguished career on the bench. I know he will continue to do a great job and serve Rankin County with the highest level of integrity.”
McDaniel began his career with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in 1972 and previously served as a Rankin County Court judge for 24 years. He also worked as deputy commissioner of corrections, director of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, assistant U.S. Attorney for the southern district, and chairman of the Conference of County Court Judges.
McDaniel, an Army veteran, is a graduate of Belhaven College and earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from Mississippi College School of Law, where he graduated at the top of his class.
McDaniel’s appointment is effective January 1, 2024, and will expire on January 5, 2025. A special election will be held for the position on November 5, 2024. The qualification deadline for the election is February 1, 2024.
