Skip to content
Home
>
Elections
>
Senate District 18 special election to...

Senate District 18 special election to be held Tuesday, April 15

By: Frank Corder - April 10, 2025

  • Voters will decide who among the five candidates will complete the term of now Supreme Court Justice Jenifer Branning.

Voters in Mississippi’s Senate District 18 will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 15, to elect their new senator in a special election.

Senate District 18 encompasses Leake, Winston and Neshoba counties.

Map showing boundaries for State Senate District 18

The winner of the race will serve out the unexpired term of now Supreme Court Justice Jenifer Branning. Branning had held the legislative seat since 2016 as a Republican prior to her resignation to serve on the state’s highest court.

Five candidates qualified to run in the non-partisan special election in Senate District 18. They are:

  • Mark Forsman
  • Lindsey Kidd
  • Jackson I. ‘Ike’ Melton
  • Marty Sistrunk
  • Lane Taylor
Left to Right: Ike Melton, Mark Forsman, Lane Taylor, Lindsey Kidd, and Marty Sistrunk

Learn more about the candidates here.

Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on April 15 for this special election. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot.

Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls.

If no candidate receives 50 percent plus one vote on Tuesday, a runoff will be held on May 13.

About the Author(s)
author profile image

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