Residents of Forrest, Lamar, and Perry counties in Mississippi will cast their votes on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for a special legislative election. This election comes after a federal court ruling found that the state’s legislative maps diluted the voting power of Black residents, prompting the need for new elections in specific districts.
Background: Why a Special Election?
In 2023, Mississippi held legislative elections based on district lines drawn in 2021 following the 2020 Census. However, by 2022, civil rights groups challenged these maps, arguing that they weakened Black representation.
A three-judge federal panel agreed with the challenge, ruling that the redistricting violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting Black voting strength. Consequently, lawmakers were instructed to redraw district boundaries in three areas—two in Senate districts and one in the House of Representatives.
The revised map was officially approved in May 2025, paving the way for the upcoming special election.
Election Schedule and Polling Details
The Election Day is set for November 4, 2025, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voters in the affected districts are encouraged to confirm their polling places before Election Day.
Who’s on the Ballot?
District 44 (Forrest, Lamar, and Perry Counties)
| Candidate | Party | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Shakita Taylor | Democrat | A Hattiesburg attorney and graduate of Mississippi College School of Law (2009). She has owned her law firm for over 13 years and is seeking to represent her community with integrity and fairness. |
| Chris Johnson | Republican | The current Senator of District 45, now running in District 44 due to redistricting. Despite being elected in 2023 for a four-year term, he must run again under the new boundaries. |
District 45 (Forrest and Lamar Counties)
| Candidate | Party | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Dupree | Democrat | A former Hattiesburg mayor, Dupree aims to continue advocating for education, fairness, and economic opportunity in the state legislature. |
| Anna Rush | Republican | A Hattiesburg attorney, prosecutor, and business owner, Rush’s campaign focuses on improving healthcare, creating jobs, and supporting public education. |
Unopposed Candidates
In nearby districts, several incumbents will retain their seats unopposed:
- Sen. Juan Barnett (D-Heidelberg) – District 34 (Covington, Jasper, and Jones counties)
- Sen. Joey Fillingane (R-Sumrall) – District 41 (Covington, Lamar, Marion, and Walthall counties)
- Donald Hartness (R) – District 42 (Forrest, Greene, Jones, and Wayne counties)
