Mississippi Supreme Court Runoff: A Race Too Close to Call

A runoff election for the Mississippi Supreme Court is unfolding in an extremely tight race between incumbent Justice Jim Kitchens and challenger, state Senator Jenifer Branning. As of early Wednesday morning, the race remains unresolved, with Branning holding a slim lead of 2,678 votes out of over 120,000 counted ballots.

Political Affiliation and Endorsements

In Mississippi, judicial candidates run without explicit party labels; however, affiliations are often discernible through endorsements and campaign support. Branning, who has served as a state senator since 2016, received the endorsement of the Republican Party. In contrast, Kitchens has garnered contributions from various Democratic donors, but notably, he did not receive an official endorsement from the Democratic Party.

Branning’s lead has fluctuated throughout the election night. Initially, she held a lead of 518 votes just after midnight. However, with over 11,000 votes still pending as estimated by The Associated Press, the final outcome remains uncertain. Mississippi law allows for absentee ballots to be counted for up to five days after an election, which could play a crucial role in determining the winner.

Voter Turnout Dynamics

Voter turnout in runoff elections tends to dip compared to general elections, and campaigns have noted that this year’s runoff comes just two days before Thanksgiving, potentially affecting participation. In the recent general election, a significant portion of the electorate supported President-elect Donald Trump, who secured 61.6% of the popular vote, while his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, received 37.3%.

The election is particularly significant for the Central District, encompassing a diverse geographic area that stretches from the Delta region through the Jackson metro area to the Alabama border. Both Branning and Kitchens have concentrated their campaign efforts in this district, crucial for their respective paths to victory.

Candidate Profiles

Jenifer Branning describes herself as a “constitutional conservative,” focusing her campaign on opposing what she terms “liberal activist judges” and initiatives from “the radical left.” The Mississippi Republican Party has labeled her as a “proven conservative,” which has strengthened her candidacy.

Branning, while not holding a prior judicial office, has experience as a special prosecutor in Neshoba County and as a staff attorney in the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Division of Business Services and Regulations. Her positions include opposition to altering the state flag—specifically, the removal of the Confederate battle emblem—and backing stringent minimum sentences for crimes, as reported by Mississippi Today.

On the other hand, Jim Kitchens brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 41 years of legal practice, Kitchens has served on the Mississippi Supreme Court since 2008, following a stint as a district attorney. He is backed by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Action Fund, an organization advocating for racial justice across the South. Notable endorsements for Kitchens also include Representative Bennie Thompson, a prominent Democratic figure in Mississippi.

Kitchens’ Judicial Record

Kitchens has made headlines for his decisions, including siding with death row inmates in notable cases. Most recently, he expressed support for a man on death row when critical testimony against him was recanted. He has also dissented in two death row cases concerning the controversial use of the drug midazolam in executions, reflecting his legal stance on capital punishment.

Other Election Outcomes

In addition to the critical Supreme Court race, another significant election occurred in Mississippi, where Amy St. Pe’ won an open seat on the Mississippi Court of Appeals. St. Pe’ will fill the position left vacant by Judge Joel Smith, who chose not to seek re-election to the ten-member court, further shaping the legal landscape in the Magnolia State.

Conclusion

As Mississippi awaits the final verdict of this contentious runoff election, the candidates’ distinctive backgrounds and the variable dynamics of voter participation will be pivotal in deciding the future of the state’s judicial system. All eyes are on the absentee ballots, which could ultimately sway the race in this closely contested judicial battle.