Governor sets Senate District 34 special election

Governor sets Senate District 34. Governor sets Senate District 34 special election.

Key points

• Barnett previously served as the Mayor of Heidelberg from 2001-2016 before being elected to the Mississippi Senate.
• Should no candidate receive a majority of the votes on December 22, a runoff would be held January 19, 2027.
• Governor Tate Reeves confirmed Monday that he has set a special election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of State Senator Juan Barnett (D).
• It includes parts of Forrest, Jasper and Jones counties, will go to polls on December 22 to elect Barnett's successor.
• Guest heavily favored to win re-election in Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District over Democrat, Libertarian challengers.

Governor sets Senate District 34. Governor sets Senate District 34 special election. By: Frank Corder – September 28, 2026. FILE – (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File).

Candidates can now qualify to succeed Juan Barnett who resigned from the Mississippi State Senate earlier this month.

Barnett submitted his resignation from the Legislature earlier this month, ending a decade of service at the Capitol. The Senator has faced health challenges this year, missing much of the 2026 session.

Barnett previously served as the Mayor of Heidelberg from 2001-2016 before being elected to the Mississippi Senate. He worked as a digital technician with AT&T.

Voters in Senate District 34. It includes parts of Forrest, Jasper and Jones counties, will go to polls on December 22 to elect Barnett's successor.

In practice, the qualifying period for candidates wanting to run for the office is now open through October 8.

Should no candidate receive a majority of the votes on December 22, a runoff would be held January 19, 2027. 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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Taken together, the developments around governor sets Senate District 34 special election point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.