Special Senate election set for November

Gov. Tate Reeves has set special elections in November to fill Sampson Jackson’s term as in the state Senate.

Jackson announced his retirement effective the last day of June. A Democrat, Jackson has represented the 32nd District, which includes Kemper County and parts of Lauderdale, Noxubee and Winston counties, since 1992. He has been elected eight times.

Reeves spokeswoman Bailey Martin said Wednesday that the governor set the special elections for Nov. 2 — the same day as elections to fill some school board seats and some vacancies in county offices. If runoffs are needed, they will be Nov. 23.

Candidates in Mississippi special elections run without party labels, and the election to replace Jackson will not change the balance of power. Republicans hold a majority in the 52-member Senate.