Special elections in Mississippi House Districts 70 and 77 head to runoffs

Special elections in Mississippi House.

Key points

• In House District 70 (Hinds County), Marcus Cheatham and James Lott III advanced to a runoff, pulling in 45% and 32%, respectively.
• He ran for Jackson City Council in 2025 but lost to incumbent Councilman Kenneth Stokes.
• In the House District 77 race, Melissa Sullivan and Christopher Dunn led the four-person field to succeed the Republican Wallace.
• Special elections to be held Tuesday in Mississippi House Districts 70 and 77.
• Cheatham and Lott advance in HD 70 while Sullivan and Dunn will vie for HD 77.

Special elections in Mississippi House Districts 70 and 77 head to runoffs. By: Frank Corder – November 4, 2026.

Both non-partisan special elections to fill the unexpired terms of late State Representatives Cost Wallace and Bo Brown are heading to a runoff on December 1.

Cheatham served in the U.S. Army for 31 years. He ran for Jackson City Council in 2025 but lost to incumbent Councilman Kenneth Stokes.

Lott is a Canton Alderman and an Air National Guard veteran. He is employed with Hinds Community College as director of student recreation.

Democrat Bo Brown's widow, Imelda Brown, drew just under 24% of the vote.

In the House District 77 race, Melissa Sullivan and Christopher Dunn led the four-person field to succeed the Republican Wallace. Sullivan won over 40% to Dunn's 33%.

Sullivan has worked in healthcare for over 30 years. She notes she is a conservative Republican.

Dunn is the CFO for Vestra Revenue Management and previously worked in the banking industry for over 20 years. He, too, notes he is a conservative. Dianne Gaddis drew under 18% and Craig Williams had 9%.

In practice, the winners of the two special election runoffs will complete the four-terms of Wallace and Brown which ends in January 2028. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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In short, special elections in Mississippi House Districts 70 and 77 head to runoffs is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.