David Parker Defeats Rep. Pat Nelson To Replace Retired Sen. Merle Flowers

David Parker Defeats Rep. Pat Nelson To Replace Retired Sen. Merle Flowers

Dr. David Parker defeated Rep. Pat Nelson, R-Southaven, in the special election runoff for Senate District 19. Parker won with more than 60 percent of the vote.

“I look forward to serving in the legislature with all the members of our DeSoto County delegation. I am honored & humbled & thankful,” Parker said via Twitter.

Parker, an optometrist from Olive Branch, led the four-way general election field by approximately 2,000 votes with nearly 35 percent of the vote. The third place finisher, DeSoto County Republican Party Chairman Kevin Blackwell, endorsed Parker in the runoff.

Sam Hall
Clarion Ledger