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Kimberlyn Seals

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Kimberlyn Seals
Image of Kimberlyn Seals

Candidate, Mississippi House of Representatives District 26

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

Clarksdale High School

Associate

Coahoma Community College, 2002

Bachelor's

Mississippi Valley State University, 2004

Graduate

Bethel University, 2013

Personal
Birthplace
Clarksdale, Miss.
Religion
Baptist
Profession
Nonprofit professional
Contact

Kimberlyn Seals is running in a special election to the Mississippi House of Representatives to represent District 26. She declared candidacy for the special general election scheduled on November 4, 2025.[source]

Seals completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Kimberlyn Seals was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She earned an associate degree from Coahoma Community College in 2002, a bachelor's degree from Mississippi Valley State University in 2004, and a graduate degree from Bethel University in 2013. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional, teacher, and grant writer. She has been affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.[1]

Elections

2025

See also: Mississippi state legislative special elections, 2025

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

Special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 26

Mary Frances Dear-Moton, Kimberlyn Seals, and Otha Williams III are running in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 26 on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
Mary Frances Dear-Moton (Nonpartisan)
Image of Kimberlyn Seals
Kimberlyn Seals (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
Otha Williams III (Nonpartisan)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2019

See also: Mississippi State Senate elections, 2019

General election

General election for Mississippi State Senate District 11

Incumbent Robert Jackson defeated Clara Dawkins in the general election for Mississippi State Senate District 11 on November 5, 2019.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robert Jackson
Robert Jackson (D) Candidate Connection
 
73.8
 
10,059
Clara Dawkins (Independent)
 
26.2
 
3,574

Total votes: 13,633
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 11

Incumbent Robert Jackson defeated Kimberlyn Seals in the Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 11 on August 6, 2019.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Robert Jackson
Robert Jackson Candidate Connection
 
54.9
 
6,057
Image of Kimberlyn Seals
Kimberlyn Seals
 
45.1
 
4,977

Total votes: 11,034
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Kimberlyn Seals completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Seals' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

My name is Kimberlyn “Kim” Seals, and I am proud to call the Mississippi Delta my lifelong home. I was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and I come from a family deeply rooted in service. My father, Ed Seals, served as City Commissioner for over three decades (1989-2025), and my mother, Patricia Burrel Seals, dedicated her life to education. They taught me early on the values of hard work, faith, and giving back to the community.

I am a graduate of Clarksdale High School, Coahoma Community College (AA in Accounting), and Mississippi Valley State University (BS in Business Administration). I also studied Secondary Education at the University of Mississippi and earned my MBA from Bethel University.

Professionally, I serve as a Data Specialist and Civic Engagement Manager with Fair Count, a nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams that focuses on strengthening communities through census participation, voting, and civic leadership. I am also an entrepreneur, owning The Improvement Group, LLC, and working in real estate and consulting to help families and small businesses thrive in the Delta.

I am a proud member of Liberty M. B. Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Most importantly, I am the mother of a beautiful daughter, Kayleigh Commee’ Stanton, who inspires me daily to fight for a better future.

My philosophy is simple:

“If a task is once begun, never leave it ‘till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not
  • Community First, Results Always “I’m a lifelong member of our community, and I’ll deliver real outcomes better schools, safer neighborhoods, and a more responsive voice fighting for you daily. • Conveys authenticity and full commitment to constituents of the Mississippi Delta.
  • Real Solutions for Real Needs “Your priorities are my priorities affordable healthcare, economic opportunities for families, and ensuring justice in every corner of our community.” Positions myselfaround the voters and citizens immediate concerns.
  • My campaign isn’t about politics it’s about the people. Together, we’ll build a stronger future rooted in accountability, respect, and shared progress. For the Mississippi Delta.
Education & Youth Empowerment

•Investing in teachers, school facilities, and technology.
•Expanding after-school programs, mentorship, and pathways to college or trades.
•Ensuring that every child rural or urban has access to a high-quality education.
Economic Development & Jobs
•Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs with resources and incentives.
•Bringing new industries to the Delta while strengthening traditional sectors like farming.
•Expanding workforce training so local talent can thrive without leaving home.

Healthcare & Wellness

•Expanding access to affordable healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas.
•Prioritizing maternal health, mental health, and preventive care.

Agriculture & Food Security
I look up to my parents, Ed and Patricia Seals. My father served as a city commissioner for over 30 years, and my mother dedicated her life to education. From them, I learned the importance of service, integrity, and never giving up on your community. Their example reminds me daily that leadership is about serving others, not yourself.
1. Integrity & Honesty

• Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
• Being truthful with constituents, even when the truth is hard to hear.
2. Accountability
• Taking responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
• Listening to the people and being open about how tax dollars are spent.
3. Transparency
• Communicating clearly and regularly with the public.
• Making government processes open and understandable.
4. Fairness & Justice
• Treating everyone equally, regardless of race, gender, income, or background.
• Ensuring laws and resources are applied fairly across all communities.
5. Compassion & Service
• Putting the needs of people first, especially the most vulnerable.
• Remembering that public office is about serving, not status.
6. Strong Work Ethic
• Showing up, doing the work, and staying committed even when it’s difficult.
• Following through on promises with action, not just words.
7. Vision & Leadership
• Looking beyond today to create opportunities for the next generation.
• Inspiring people to work together toward a shared future.
8. Accessibility & Humility
• Being approachable and willing to listen.

• Staying grounded and connected to the community you serve.
1. Representing the People

• Listening to the voices, concerns, and priorities of constituents.
• Carrying those concerns to Jackson (or the state capitol) to ensure that the community is heard.
2. Making Laws & Policy
• Proposing, debating, and voting on laws that impact education, healthcare, the economy, infrastructure, and justice.
• Making sure those laws are fair, effective, and responsive to the needs of the district.
3. Budget & Oversight
• Helping decide how state tax dollars are spent.
• Ensuring funding is directed to schools, roads, hospitals, farmers, and public services that directly benefit the community.
• Holding agencies and programs accountable for how they serve the public.
4. Constituent Services
• Assisting individuals and families with state-related challenges (benefits, licensing, public resources, etc.).
• Being accessible, responsive, and visible in the community—not just during election season, but every day in office.
5. Building Partnerships
• Working with other lawmakers, local leaders, and organizations to bring resources home.

• Finding common ground to solve problems, regardless of party or politics.
Community Legacy:

“I want my legacy to be that I made life better for the people of the Mississippi Delta that I fought for good schools, access to healthcare, and opportunities so families could thrive right here at home.”

Personal & Family Legacy:
“I want to leave a legacy of service and perseverance, the same way my parents did. When people remember me, I hope they say, ‘She worked tirelessly, she cared deeply, and she never gave up on her community.’”

Generational Legacy:

“More than anything, I want my daughter and the next generation to know that if you work hard, stand firm in your faith, and serve others, you can change your community. My legacy should be opening doors for those who come after me.”
The first historical event I clearly remember was 9/11. I a freshman at the time, and I remember how it changed the way I saw the world. It was the first time I realized how deeply events far away could impact every family, even in the Mississippi Delta.
My very first job was at the Coahoma County Courthouse, where I worked with former Sheriff Andrew Thompson and Jackie Ball through my high school Co-Op program. I stayed there for two years, and it was an experience that taught me the importance of showing up on time, treating people with respect, and taking pride in every task no matter how small. Those early lessons continue to guide me in everything I do today.”
My favorite book is the Bible. It’s not just a spiritual guide for me, but also a source of wisdom on perseverance, justice, and compassion. I turn to it often for strength, and its teachings remind me that leadership is ultimately about serving others.”
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Wonder Woman. She represents strength, compassion, and the courage to fight for justice, qualities I try to carry into my life and service.
Parenting & Balance:

“One of my biggest struggles has been balancing the responsibilities of being a mother with my career and community work. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but it taught me resilience, time management, and how to lean on faith. It also gave me empathy for families who are doing their best every day under tough circumstances.”

Overcoming Barriers:

“A struggle I’ve faced is breaking through barriers as a woman in leadership, especially in spaces that weren’t always welcoming. Instead of letting it discourage me, I used it as motivation to keep showing up and to open doors for others. That experience pushes me to fight for fairness and equality in every part of life.”
1. Checks and Balances

• The governor and legislature have different roles: the legislature writes and passes laws, while the governor enforces them.
• A healthy relationship means respecting those boundaries and ensuring no branch oversteps its authority.
2. Collaboration for the People
• While disagreements are natural, both the governor and legislators should share one priority: serving the people of Mississippi.
• That means finding common ground on key issues like education, healthcare, economic growth, and public safety, even when political parties differ.
3. Accountability and Transparency
• The legislature must hold the governor accountable through oversight and budgetary authority.
• At the same time, the governor should be transparent and communicative about how policies are being implemented.
4. Mutual Respect
• Even when debating or challenging one another, both sides should operate with respect.

• The best outcomes for the people come when leaders can disagree without being disagreeable.
1. Education & Workforce Readiness

• Mississippi continues to face teacher shortages, underfunded schools, and gaps in workforce training.
• If we don’t invest in strong schools, competitive teacher pay, and career pathways (college, trades, technology), we risk losing more young people to other states.
2. Healthcare Access & Public Health
• Rural hospital closures and limited healthcare access remain urgent.
• Maternal health, mental health, and preventive care will be defining issues for families and communities.
3. Economic Development & Outmigration
• Too many graduates and young professionals leave Mississippi for better opportunities.
• Without diversifying industries, supporting small businesses, and improving wages, the state risks shrinking its talent pool and tax base.
4. Infrastructure & Resiliency
• Roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband are outdated in many communities.
• Climate change and severe weather will put even more pressure on already fragile systems.
5. Civic Trust & Engagement
• Voter apathy and low civic participation weaken democracy.

• Building trust in government and ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency will be essential for progress.
1. Experience Has Value

• Understanding how laws are made, budgets are negotiated, and agencies operate can help a legislator hit the ground running.
• Prior government or political service often brings useful relationships and knowledge of the process.
2. But It’s Not the Only Qualification
• Some of the most effective leaders come from outside politics, bringing real-world perspectives as teachers, small business owners, healthcare workers, or community leaders.
• What matters most is integrity, commitment to the people, and the ability to listen and solve problems.
3. Balance Is Best
• A healthy legislature needs both experienced voices who know the system and new leaders who can challenge old ways of doing business.

• Fresh perspectives often push innovation, while seasoned legislators can help navigate procedures.
1. Yes, Because Change Requires Collaboration

• No one legislator can pass a bill alone. Building relationships across the aisle and across regions is essential to move legislation forward.
2. Stronger Voice for the District
• When you have good working relationships, it’s easier to gain support for the issues that matter most to your constituents.
• Partnerships multiply your influence and help bring more resources home.
3. Healthy Debate, Better Solutions
• Strong relationships allow respectful disagreements. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but you do need mutual respect to craft policies that work for all Mississippians.
4. Breaking Down Barriers

• Mississippi faces big challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Those challenges don’t stop at county or party lines — and neither should solutions.
“Delma Furniss was the first person to introduce me to the State Capitol during my 10th grade year of high school in a meaningful way. I was honored to serve as a Senate page under the late Senator Furniss.”
“On the campaign trail, I met a grandmother raising her two grandchildren after their mother passed away. She told me about struggling to get healthcare for them and how difficult it is to keep food on the table while living on a fixed income. Her story stayed with me, because it represents so many families in our district who are working hard but still falling through the cracks. It reminded me why I’m running: to make sure that every child, every family, has the resources and support they need to not just survive, but thrive.”
Yes, emergency powers can be necessary, but they must always come with legislative oversight, clear limits, and accountability to the people.

1. With Oversight
• In times of crisis (natural disasters, pandemics, etc.), governors and executive agencies sometimes need emergency powers to act quickly.
• But those powers should never be unlimited or unchecked.
2. Balance of Speed and Accountability
• Emergency powers allow swift action, but the legislature should provide oversight to ensure those powers are not abused or extended longer than necessary.
• Clear timelines, reporting requirements, and legislative review protect the people’s voice in government.
3. Protecting Democracy
• The people elect legislators to represent them, even in times of crisis.

• Oversight ensures that emergency actions reflect the will of the people and remain within constitutional limits.
Education Focus

“The first bill I would introduce is to raise teacher pay and fully fund our public schools. Every conversation I’ve had on the campaign trail leads back to education, first responders, and the farmers of the Mississippi Delta. We must invest in our teachers and children first to keep families here and attract new jobs.”
• Healthcare Focus
“My first bill would focus on protecting rural hospitals and expanding healthcare access. Too many families in our district live miles from care, and every community deserves a hospital they can count on.”
• Economic Focus

“The first bill I would bring forward would provide targeted support for small businesses and farmers. Our local economy depends on them, and investing in homegrown businesses means investing in our future.”
I support restoring the initiative process with sensible reforms, such as updated geographic signature rules, fair thresholds, and transparency safeguards, to ensure everyday Mississippians can make their voices heard.
If elected, I would lead with legislation that expands voter access, restores rights, strengthens confidence through transparent audits, ensures impartial election administration, and protects fair representation.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2019

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Kimberlyn Seals did not complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Kimberlyn Seals campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2019Mississippi State Senate District 11Lost primary$5,953 N/A**
Grand total$5,953 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 3, 2025


Leadership
Speaker of the House:Jason White
Minority Leader:Robert Johnson
Representatives
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Jeff Hale (R)
District 25
District 26
Vacant
District 27
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Joey Hood (R)
District 36
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Andy Boyd (R)
District 38
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Jill Ford (R)
District 74
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Bob Evans (D)
District 92
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District 97
Sam Mims (R)
District 98
District 99
District 100
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John Read (R)
District 113
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District 118
District 119
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District 121
District 122
Republican Party (79)
Democratic Party (39)
Independent (3)
Vacancies (1)