Lawmakers have voted Jason White in as Mississippi’s new speaker of the House.
White, a Republican from West who previously served as speaker pro tempore, garnered the support of the entire Republican caucus late last year. He takes over for Philip Gunn, who held the position for 12 years before deciding not to seek reelection prior to the most recent campaign cycle.
With Democrats choosing not to submit a nominee amid Republicans’ supermajority in the House, White went unopposed and will now serve the next four years as speaker.
“I want to thank the entire House of Representatives for honoring me with your confidence and your support,” White said. “I look forward to working with all of you for the betterment of Mississippi. Many of us here, we see things from very different perspectives, different viewpoints. But I also know we all love this state and we all want to do what we believe is right and best for her people. I look forward to finding the common ground. I intend to do all that I can to keep all eyes focused on a better, brighter Mississippi.”
As White moves up, Republican Manly Barton of Moss Point will take his spot as speaker pro tempore. On the Senate side, Republican Dean Kirby of Pearl was reelected as president pro tempore, meaning he will continue to preside when Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is absent and serve as an advisor to the chamber leader.
Mississippi’s 2024 session began on Tuesday and will last until May 5.
