Governor Tate Reeves speaks with the press after his remarks on Founders Square, June 25, 2026 (Photo by Frank Corder | Magnolia Tribune)
- Upon Colom’s resignation as District Attorney, Governor Reeves will appoint an interim replacement to serve the 16th Circuit Court District. The timing of the resignation, however, will determine what comes next.
Scott Colom’s U.S. Senate win means he will soon resign as District Attorney for Mississippi’s 16th Circuit Court District, a seat the Democrat has held since he defeated Forrest Allgood in 2015.
The 16th district serves the counties of Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay and Noxubee.
While Colom’s swearing-in to the U.S. Senate is not until January 3, 2027, the Senator-elect could step aside early to focus on the transition, although there has been no word from his campaign on what his intentions are as of this reporting.
Upon Colom’s resignation as District Attorney, Governor Tate Reeves (R) will appoint a temporary, or interim replacement to serve as the district attorney for the area.
The timing of the resignation, however, will determine what comes next.
There will either be a special election during a regular election year in 2027 or the interim district attorney appointed by Governor Reeves could serve until after the General Election held next November.
Mississippi Code Section § 23-15-843 states:
“In case of death, resignation or vacancy from any cause in the office of district attorney, the unexpired term of which shall exceed six (6) months, the Governor shall within ten (10) days after the vacancy occurs issue a proclamation calling an election to fill a vacancy in the office of district attorney to be held on the next regular special election day in the district where the vacancy occurred unless the vacancy occurs in a year in which a general election would normally be held for that office as provided by law, in which case the appointed person shall serve the unexpired portion of the term.”
If a special election is held, it would be a nonpartisan race as prescribed for special elections in Mississippi.
