The coronavirus outbreak will affect the 2020 election calendar in Mississippi.
The Republican runoff election in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District between Brian Flowers and Carey Thomas, which was originally scheduled for March 31st, has been postponed until June 23rd.
While no new date has been set, Governor Tate Reeves announced the decision after working closely with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and Secretary of State Michael Watson, who voiced his support for postponing the election on Thursday.
“We face an unprecedented health crisis. Conducting an election during this outbreak would force poll workers and voters to place themselves in unnecessary risk. It’s important that we exercise our rights as Americans to a free and fair election, but so is ensuring the health and safety of all Mississippians,” Governor Reeves said.
Flowers and Thomas each received around 37% of the vote on March 10th to qualify for the runoff with B.C. Hammond grabbing the other 26%.
The winner of the runoff would face incumbent Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson in the general election.
