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Few contested judicial races for...

Few contested judicial races for Mississippi voters to decide in November

By: Frank Corder - September 15, 2026

(Photo from Shutterstock)

  • Here is a rundown of the contested judicial races across Mississippi on the ballot this November 3.

Much has been made about Mississippi’s federal midterm elections for U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Yet, when voters go to the polls on November 3, they will also be asked to elect judges in the Magnolia State’s Chancery and Circuit Court districts as well as seats on the Court of Appeals.

Many of the judicial seats up for grabs feature a single candidate running unopposed in the non-partisan elections. This is not uncommon as judicial races do not typically draw a crowded field.

Of the five Court of Appeals elections, only one is contested, meaning there is more than one candidate on the ballot.

There are 57 Chancery races with 14 contested while there are 63 Circuit races with 11 contested.

Here is a rundown of the contested judicial races across Mississippi on the ballot this November.

Court of Appeals

District 1, Position 1

  • Derek Hopson Jr.
  • John Weddle

Chancery Court

District 3, Place 1

  • Ginger Miller
  • Jay Westfaul

District 4, Place 3

  • Debbra Halford
  • Ashunda Hampton

District 5, Place 3

  • Bridgett Clayton
  • Tametrice Hodges

District 7, Place 2

  • Willie Perkins
  • W. M. Sanders

District 8, Place 4

  • Haley Broom
  • Stephen Maggio
  • Frances Yeatts

District 9, Place 2

  • Vicki Barnes
  • Penny Lawson

District 11, Place 2

  • Cynthia Brewer
  • Rhonda Cooper

District 11, Place 3

  • Gene Berry
  • David Bridges
  • Alan Rhea

District 13, Place 2

  • George Schmidt
  • John Smallwood
  • Zachary Vaughn

District 16, Place 1

  • D. Neil Harris
  • Jennifer Harris
  • Matthew Pavlov

District 17, Place 2

  • Elizabeth Owens
  • William Scott

District 17, Place 3

  • Gwen Baptist
  • Malenda Meacham

District 18, Place 1

  • Janessa Hicks
  • Sarah Liddy
  • Jennifer Shackelford
  • Michael Watts

District 20, Place 1

  • Bo Agney
  • Keri Carroll
  • Michael Wolfe

Circuit Court

District 3, Place 2

  • Bart Adams
  • Shirley Byers
  • Steven Judera

District 11, Place 2

  • Stephanie Morris-Harris
  • David Tisdell

District 14, Place 2

  • Brendon Adams
  • Matt Kitchens
  • Albert Turnage

District 15, Place 2

  • Ryan Bruhl
  • Prentiss Harrell

District 18, Place 1

  • Brad Thompson
  • Eric Tiebauer

District 19, Place 1

  • Matt Lachaussee
  • Justin Lovorn

District 19, Place 2

  • Kathy King Jackson
  • Leilani Tynes

District 20, Place 1

  • Sarah Butler
  • Scott Gilbert
  • Carter Smith

District 21, Place 1

  • Joseph Neyman
  • Gordon Shaw Jr.

District 21, Place 4

  • Lucius Edwards
  • John Hughes

District 22

  • Tim Howard
  • Akillie Oliver
About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For nearly two decades, he has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com