Voting has come to an end for Mississippi’s primary election runoffs. With six House of Representatives races on Tuesday’s ballot, five have been called with the other waiting for the final votes to roll in. Catch up with the results below.
House District 2 (R)
In what is a surprise to many around the state, incumbent GOP Rep. Nick Bain is on the verge of being upset with 99 percent of precincts reporting. As of Wednesday morning, Bain was at 49.8 percent (2,322 votes) in comparison to challenger Brad Mattox’s 50.3 percent (2,345 votes). Bain, a three-term representative from Corinth, used the final days leading up to the runoff to double down on cutting the grocery tax and protecting retirement benefits. Mattox, a gun store owner running on a small business and tax cut platform, was endorsed by third-place candidate and former Corinth alderman Chris Wilson heading into Tuesday. Per a report from the Daily Journal, Bain’s vote to replace the old state flag has been an issue among voters.
According to the Alcorn County Circuit Clerk, there are 45 affidavit ballots to be processed on Wednesday, five absentee ballots to be processed within five business days, and any absentee ballots yet to be received that were post-marked by Election Day. Currently, the race is too close to call with a 23-vote separation. The winner will be uncontested on Nov. 7.
House District 66 (D)
Fabian Nelson, an owner of a local real estate firm, is set to become the state’s first openly gay lawmaker after defeating Roshunda Harris-Allen in the Democratic runoff for District 66. Mississippi is one of two states – Louisiana being the other – to have never elected an out LGBTQ+ person to the state legislature.
District 66, located in Hinds County and including parts of southwest Jackson, has no Republicans seeking the position. By default, Nelson will become the district’s next representative, replacing De’Keither Stamps as Stamps takes another crack at central district public service commissioner. Nelson finished with 69 percent (1,296 votes) in comparison to Harris-Allen’s 31 percent (582 votes).
House District 69 (D)
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