Hinds County Courthouse (Photo from Shutterstock)
- Former DA Jody Owens pleaded guilty to federal charges this summer prompting the need for a special election to fill the remainder of the term.
Jody Owens, a Democrat, resigned as Hinds County District Attorney earlier this summer after pleading guilty to charges related to a Jackson bribery scheme that included former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba (D) and two capital city councilpersons. Owens has since been permanently disbarred from practicing law by the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Owens’ resignation prompted Governor Tate Reeves (R) to call for a special election to fill the remainder of the four-year term, which ends in January 2028.
The special election will be a non-partisan contest to be held on November 3, the same day as the previously scheduled General Election.
According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, five candidates have qualified to seek the Hinds County District Attorney seat. They are:
- Gwen Agho
- Greta Mack
- Darla Palmer
- Marvin L. Sanders
- Wendy Wilson White
Palmer has twice run unsuccessfully for the DA position, losing to Owens in 2019 and 2023.
Agho is an Assistant DA in Hinds County, while Mack, Sanders and White are also metro area attorneys.
In early July, Reeves appointed Brad McCullouch to serve as District Attorney for the Seventh Circuit Court District until the special election was held and the results are certified.
McCullouch did not qualify to run for the DA post as he lives outside of the district.
