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Ben wins second term as Chief of...

Ben wins second term as Chief of Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

By: Frank Corder - June 8, 2023

Chief Cyrus Ben (Photo from Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Facebook page)

Ben is the fifth democratically elected Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. He was the youngest to win the position when first elected in 2019.

Elections were held this week among the communities in the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. On the ballot was the Tribal Chief along with seats on the Tribal Council.

According to unofficial results, incumbent Chief Cyrus Ben, who is in his first term, won re-election, drawing just under 62% of the vote.

Ben faced former Chief Phyliss Anderson as well as Tarina Anderson on the ballot, with the other candidates pulling in roughly 34% and 5%, respectively. Ben defeated former Chief Anderson, who had served for two terms, in 2019 in a runoff.

On Wednesday, Governor Tate Reeves congratulated Chief Ben on his re-election win.

“Congratulations to Chief Cyrus Ben on winning reelection!” Reeves wrote on Twitter. “Chief Ben has done a great job and I have no doubt that he’ll continue to do great work on behalf of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Thanks to Chief Ben and the Choctaws for everything y’all do for Mississippi!”

Ben is the fifth democratically elected Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the youngest to win the position. It was recently announced that Chief Ben will be recognized as Alumnus of the Year at East Central Community College later this year during their 2023 Homecoming celebration.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com