Chris Johnson” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px”/>JACKSON, Miss.- Incumbent Mississippi State Senator Chris Johnson secured the Republican primary win for Senate District 11 on tuesday, August 6, 2024, setting the stage for a November 4th special election. Johnson, representing hattiesburg, defeated challenger Patrick Lott with 2,282 votes to Lott’s 1,961.
The victory positions Johnson to defend his seat against Democratic nominee Shakita Taylor in the general election.This special election was called following the appointment of former senator Melanie sojourner to the Mississippi Public Service Commission in February 2024, creating a vacancy in District 11.
Johnson acknowledged the support he received and extended an invitation to those who did not vote for him. “You can’t win an election on your own, and so many good people have stood behind us and helped. But there are also many people who did not vote to support me, and I hope to continue to work and earn their support going into November and future races,” Johnson stated in a Facebook video posted Wednesday morning.
Senate District 11 encompasses portions of Forrest and lamar counties, including the cities of Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, and Purvis. Johnson was first elected to the Mississippi Senate in November 2020, succeeding longtime Senator Sally Doty.
Beyond the District 11 race, two other Senate seats will be decided on November 4th. In Senate District 19, Democrat Dianne Dodson Black will challenge incumbent Republican senator Kevin blackwell.Senate District 45 will see Republican Anna Rush face democrat Johnny DuPree. These special elections are crucial as they will impact the balance of power in the Mississippi State Senate, currently controlled by Republicans with a 33-17 majority.