Mississippi Midterms: Plurality Rule and Judicial Races Define Election Day
Voters face a crowded ballot with no runoff in the Senate race and a high volume of unopposed judicial contests.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Mississippi voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, for a midterm cycle that features distinct procedural rules for the Senate race and a heavy slate of judicial elections. The state’s election laws dictate how winners are determined, creating a unique environment for this year’s contests.
Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m., with voters in line at closing time legally entitled to cast a ballot. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s office requires photo identification for entry, and voters using an affidavit ballot must present valid ID to their Circuit Clerk’s Office by November 10. Campaigning is prohibited within 150 feet of any polling place entrance, while a 30-foot zone around entrances is reserved for election officials, waiting voters, and authorized poll watchers.
The U.S. Senate race pits incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith against Democrat Scott Colom and Independent Ty Pinkins. State law requires only a plurality to win this federal general election, meaning the candidate with the most votes prevails even if they do not reach 50 percent. This rule eliminates the possibility of a runoff. In 1978, Thad Cochran won the Senate seat with 45.3 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Maurice Dantin and Independent Charles Evers.
Four U.S. House races will also be decided on Tuesday. In the 1st District, incumbent Trent Kelly faces Democrat Cliff Johnson and Libertarian Johnny Baucom. Johnson has out-raised Kelly in two of the last three quarters despite the incumbent holding more cash on hand. In the 2nd District, incumbent Bennie Thompson, running for an 18th term, opposes Republican Ron Eller and Independent Bennie Foster. Thompson gained national prominence as chair of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
In the 3rd District, incumbent Michael Guest challenges Democrat Michael Chiaradio and Libertarian Erik Kiehle for a fifth term. Guest serves as chairman of the House Ethics Committee. In the 4th District, incumbent Mike Ezell runs for a third term against Democrat Jeffrey Hulum III and Independent Carl Boyanton. Ezell won the Republican primary with 84 percent of the vote, while Hulum secured the Democratic nomination with 58 percent.
Two special elections for the state House will fill seats previously held by the late Reps. Price Wallace and William “Bo” Brown. Both lawmakers died less than a week apart, and these non-partisan contests will determine who serves the remaining year of their terms.
Judicial elections comprise a large portion of the ballot, including races for Chancery and Circuit Court districts and the Court of Appeals. Of the five Court of Appeals seats, only one is contested. There are 14 contested races among 57 Chancery Court positions and 11 contested races among 63 Circuit Court positions. Many judicial candidates run unopposed in these non-partisan elections.
