On Friday, August 31, Representative America Chuck Middleton (D-Port Gibson) announced his retirement from his District 85 seat after 22 years of service in the Mississippi House of Representatives.
“I want to thank the people of District 85 for giving me the opportunity to serve them for so long,” said Rep. Middleton. “Through this position, I was able to represent the best people in the state for over 20 years.”
Middleton was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1995. He is the current House Vice Chairman of the Forestry Committee. Middleton is also a member of a number of other committees including Constitution, Energy, Enrolled Bills, Gaming, Interstate Cooperation, Investigate State Offices, Tourism and Ways and Means.
“I have found Chuck Middleton to be a man of honesty, integrity and great conviction,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn. “I count him as a dear friend, and he will be sorely missed as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.”
Gov. Phil Bryant has set November 6, 2018, as the special election date for House District 85.
The qualifying deadline is September 17. If no candidate receives a majority of votes on November 6, a runoff will be held on November 27. District 85 encompasses parts of Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson and Warren counties.
Sarah Ulmer
