Merle Flowers still showing a huge political base in Desoto County

A sitting state senator has qualified to run for a special election in another district this December and qualifying for 2027 legislative elections are less than two months away. Lawmakers, attorneys, and constitutional scholars have much to consider in the days and weeks ahead.

According to information provided to Magnolia Tribune by the IHL in May, Rankins' previous contract included a salary of $441,000 and was set to end on September 20, 2027. His new salary is $463,050.