MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The race for the Mississippi Supreme Court continues Monday as voters prepare for a runoff election Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Four seats were up for election on November 5, but only one remains undecided – the seat held by incumbent Justice Jim Kitchens.
Justice Kitchens, who has served on the state’s highest court since 2009, faces a challenge from Jennifer Branning, a current Mississippi State Senator for District 18.
“I’ve got two decades of legal experience, having my own law practice in Philadelphia. In addition to that, I’ve served in the Mississippi Senate for the past 9 years where I’ve been elected three times. I currently chair the Highways and Transportation Committee in the Mississippi Senate, so I’ve done a lot of great things for the people of Mississippi. I love serving Mississippians. So, I’m here asking for the vote and support of the people of Lauderdale County for this new role,” said Branning.
Branning, who chairs the Highways and Transportation Committee in the Mississippi Senate, is campaigning hard to secure a seat on the state’s highest court. She’s focused on what she calls a “constitutionally conservative” approach to the judiciary.
“Mississippians need and deserve justices that will operate the duties of office in a constitutionally conservative manner. That means calling balls and strikes from the bench and not legislating from the bench, and that’s what I’m running to do for the people of Mississippi,” said Branning.
Branning has made stops across the state in the final days of the campaign, including a visit to Collinsville and Rankin County Monday afternoon to encourage voters to head to the polls Tuesday.
“The people of Meridian have been so good to us in the campaign. We received around 60% of the vote here on November the 5th, so we certainly wanted to get back over here, make sure we’re reminding people there is a runoff, and it’s very important they all participate and get back out and vote one more time for Jenifer Branning for the Mississippi Supreme Court,” said Branning.
Registered voters who did not vote in the general election on November 5 are still eligible to vote in Tuesday’s runoff. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voters can find their precinct listed at the top of their voter registration card.
Kitchens, a centrist figure on the court, has earned the support of many Democrats in the state, though the party has not formally endorsed his candidacy.
The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the future of the Mississippi Supreme Court as voters choose between two candidates with different visions for the state’s judiciary.
In Meridian, for now, Branning is urging voters to come out and make their voices heard.
