Tuesday night was a historical night in multiple elections but especially in the race for Mississippi House District 20.
Rodney Hall, a first-time candidate, defeated Charlie Hoots by 10 points to secure the Republican nomination. With no Democratic challengers ahead of the Nov. 7 general election, Hall will become the first Black Republican in the House of Representatives since Reconstruction.
“Your unwavering support has brought us this incredible victory. To all the voters who believed in our vision and cast their ballots, you have my deepest gratitude,” Hall wrote on Facebook after the race was called. “I want to extend a kind word to my opponent. Running for office is never an easy task, and I appreciate their dedication to our community.”
Hall, who will represent a portion of DeSoto County in the House, said he is committed to working for the voters that put him in office.
“As we look to the future, know that this victory is not just about one person; it’s about all of us. It’s about DeSoto County thriving, Mississippi flourishing, and our shared values leading the way,” Hall continued. “I am committed to seeing every corner of our beloved DeSoto County and our great state prosper. Your trust in me fuels my determination to work tirelessly for a better tomorrow.”
The Southaven native previously worked with U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly in Washington, D.C. as legislative director and senior staffer before becoming a prosecutor in Shelby County. Prior to that, Hall served as an army infantry officer during two tours in the Middle East.
Hall will join what’s shaping up to be another Republican supermajority in both the House and Senate.
Other items of note from legislative primaries
- House District 2: Incumbent Nick Bain was forced to a run-off after narrowly missing the 50 percent mark in the Republican primary. The representative from Corinth will face off against Brad Mattox on Aug. 29.
- House District 10: Incumbent Brady Williamson was defeated by Republican challenger Josh Hawkins. Hawkins received 57 percent of the vote in comparison to Williamson’s 28 percent. Hawkins does not have a Democratic challenger heading into the general election.
- House District 23: Incumbent Republican Perry Van Bailey was forced to a run-off against Andrew Stepp. Van Bailey, who has been a lawmaker for only six months, won a special election earlier this year by just seven votes. The winner between him and Stepp will face Democrat Danny Lampley in November.
- House District 72: Rukia Lumumba, sister of Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, was able to force a run-off against fellow Democrat Justis Gibbs. The winner on Aug. 29 will have no Republican opponent come November.
- Senate District 46: Incumbent Philip Moran was upset by Republican challenger Philman Ladner. Moran has represented a portion of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the past 11 years. Ladner will not have an opponent in the general election.
