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Mississippi state legislative special elections, 2025
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In 2025, as of September, 20 special elections have been called to fill vacant seats in the Mississippi State Legislature. Click here to read more about the special elections.
House special elections called:
- District 23: March 25
- District 82: March 25
- District 16: November 4
- District 22: November 4
- District 26: November 4
- District 36: November 4
- District 39: November 4
- District 41: November 4
Senate special elections called:
- District 18: April 15
- District 1: November 4
- District 2: November 4
- District 11: November 4
- District 19: November 4
- District 24: November 4
- District 26: November 4
- District 34: November 4
- District 41: November 4
- District 42: November 4
- District 44: November 4
- District 45: November 4
How vacancies are filled in Mississippi
If there is a vacancy in the Mississippi State Legislature, a special election is required to fill the vacant seat. The governor must call for an election no later than 30 days after the vacancy happened. After the governor sets the election date, the counties conducting the election must be given at least 60 days' notice before the election. All qualifying deadlines are 50 days before the election.[1]
The governor can choose not to issue a writ of election if the vacancy occurs in the same calendar year as the general election for state officials.[1]
See sources: Mississippi Code Ann. § 23-15-851
About the legislature
The Mississippi State Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the Mississippi House of Representatives, with 122 members, and the Mississippi State Senate, with 52 members.
The boxes below show the partisan composition of both chambers directly before and after the most recent general elections prior to 2020. For the most up-to-date numbers on partisan composition in this legislature, see here (Senate) and here (House).
Mississippi State Senate | |||
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Party | As of November 7, 2023 | After November 8, 2023 | |
Democratic Party | 15 | 16 | |
Republican Party | 36 | 36 | |
Independent | 1 | 0 | |
Total | 52 | 52 |
Mississippi House of Representatives | |||
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Party | As of November 7, 2023 | After November 8, 2023 | |
Democratic Party | 40 | 41 | |
Republican Party | 76 | 79 | |
Independent | 3 | 2 | |
Vacancy | 3 | 0 | |
Total | 122 | 122 |
Special elections
Click [show] to the right of the district name for more information:
March 25, 2025
Mississippi House of Representatives District 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 23 was called for March 25, 2025. A general runoff was called for April 22, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was February 3, 2025.[2] The seat became vacant on December 5, 2024, following the death of incumbent Representative Andrew Stepp.[2] General runoff electionSpecial general runoff election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 23Perry Van Bailey defeated Colby Bollinger in the special general runoff election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 23 on April 22, 2025.
General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 23Perry Van Bailey and Colby Bollinger advanced to a runoff. They defeated Travis Wright, Andy Clark, and Danny Lampley in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 23 on March 25, 2025.
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Mississippi House of Representatives District 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 82 was called for March 25, 2025. A general runoff, if necessary, was called for April 22, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was February 3, 2025.[2] The seat became vacant on December 16, 2024, following the death of incumbent Representative Charles Young (D).[2] General runoff electionSpecial general runoff election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 82Gregory Elliott defeated Joseph Norwood in the special general runoff election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 82 on April 22, 2025.
General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 82Gregory Elliott and Joseph Norwood advanced to a runoff. They defeated Joseph Denson in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 82 on March 25, 2025.
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April 15, 2025
Mississippi State Senate District 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 18 was called for April 15, 2025. A general runoff was scheduled for May 13, 2025, but it was not necessary. The candidate filing deadline was February 24, 2025.[3] The seat became vacant on January 6, 2025, after incumbent Senator Jenifer Branning (R) was elected to the Mississippi Supreme Court.[3] General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 18Lane Taylor defeated Mark Forsman, Lindsey Kidd, Jackson Melton, and Marty Sistrunk in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 18 on April 15, 2025.
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November 4, 2025
Mississippi House of Representatives District 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 16 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. If needed, a primary runoff was scheduled to take place on September 2, 2025. Primaries with no candidates were canceled. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[4] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 16Incumbent Rickey Thompson is running in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 16 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionSpecial Democratic primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 16Incumbent Rickey Thompson defeated Brady Davis in the special Democratic primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 16 on August 5, 2025.
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Mississippi House of Representatives District 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 22 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled when only one candidate filed for each party. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[5] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 22Incumbent Jon Lancaster and Justin Crosby are running in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 22 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Justin Crosby advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 22. Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jon Lancaster advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 22. |
Mississippi House of Representatives District 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 26 has been called for November 4, 2025. If needed, a general runoff election is scheduled to take place on December 2, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was August 21, 2025.[6] The seat became vacant after Orlando Paden was elected Mayor of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and resigned his state House seat.[7] General electionThe general election will occur on November 4, 2025. Special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 26Mary 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.
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Mississippi House of Representatives District 36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 36 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled after only one Democratic candidate filed and no Republican candidates filed. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[8] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 36Incumbent Karl Gibbs is running in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 36 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Karl Gibbs advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 36. |
Mississippi House of Representatives District 39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 39 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary {was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled after only Republican candidate filed and no Democratic candidates filed. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[9] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 39Incumbent Dana Underwood McLean is running in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 39 on November 4, 2025.
Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Dana Underwood McLean advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 39. |
Mississippi House of Representatives District 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 41 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. The Republican primary was canceled after no candidates filed to run. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[10] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 41Incumbent Kabir Karriem is running in the special general election for Mississippi House of Representatives District 41 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionSpecial Democratic primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 41Incumbent Kabir Karriem defeated Pierre Beard Sr. in the special Democratic primary for Mississippi House of Representatives District 41 on August 5, 2025.
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Mississippi State Senate District 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 1 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. The Democratic primary was canceled after only one candidate filed to run. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[11] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 1Incumbent Michael McLendon and Chris Hanna are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 1 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Chris Hanna advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 1. Republican primary electionSpecial Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 1Incumbent Michael McLendon defeated Jon Stevenson in the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 1 on August 5, 2025.
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Mississippi State Senate District 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 2 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. The Republican primary was canceled after only one candidate filed to run. If needed, a primary runoff was scheduled to take place on September 2, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[12] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 2Theresa Gillespie Isom and Charlie Hoots are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 2 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionSpecial Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 2Theresa Gillespie Isom defeated Robert Walker in the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 2 on August 5, 2025.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Charlie Hoots advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 2. |
Mississippi State Senate District 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 11 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. The Republican primary was canceled after only one candidate filed to run. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[13] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 11Incumbent Reginald Jackson and Kendall Prewett are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 11 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionSpecial Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 11Incumbent Reginald Jackson defeated Abe Marshall Hudson Jr. in the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 11 on August 5, 2025.
Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Kendall Prewett advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 11. |
Mississippi State Senate District 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 19 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled after only one candidate filed for each party. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[14] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 19Incumbent Kevin Blackwell and Dianne Black are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 19 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Dianne Black advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 19. Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Kevin Blackwell advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 19. |
Mississippi State Senate District 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 24 has been called for November 4, 2025. If needed, a general runoff election is scheduled to take place on December 2, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was August 21, 2025.[6] The seat became vacant after David Jordan resigned his state Senate seat.[15] General electionThe general election will occur on November 4, 2025. Special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 24The following candidates are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 24 on November 4, 2025.
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Mississippi State Senate District 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 26 has been called for November 4, 2025. If needed, a general runoff election is scheduled to take place on December 2, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was August 21, 2025.[6] The seat became vacant after John Horhn was elected as Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, and resigned his state Senate seat. General electionThe general election will occur on November 4, 2025. Special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 26The following candidates are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 26 on November 4, 2025.
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Mississippi State Senate District 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 34 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled after only one Democratic candidate filed to run and no Republican candidates filed. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[16] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 34Incumbent Juan Barnett is running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 34 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Juan Barnett advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 34. |
Mississippi State Senate District 41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 41 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled after only one Republican candidate filed and no Democratic candidates filed. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[17] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 41Incumbent Joey Fillingane is running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 41 on November 4, 2025.
Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Joey Fillingane advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 41. |
Mississippi State Senate District 42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 42 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. The Democratic primary was canceled after no candidates filed to run. If needed, a primary runoff was scheduled to take place on September 2, 2025. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[18] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 42Don Hartness is running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 42 on November 4, 2025.
Republican primary electionSpecial Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 42Don Hartness defeated incumbent Robin Robinson and Randy Robinson in the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 42 on August 5, 2025.
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Mississippi State Senate District 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 44 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025. The Democratic primary was canceled after only one candidate filed to run. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[19] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 44Incumbent Chris Johnson and Shakita Taylor are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 44 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Shakita Taylor advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 44. Republican primary electionSpecial Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 44Incumbent Chris Johnson defeated Christopher Lott in the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 44 on August 5, 2025.
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Mississippi State Senate District 45 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A special election for Mississippi State Senate District 45 has been called for November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025, but was canceled after only one candidate filed to run for each party. The candidate filing deadline was June 9, 2025.[20] A three-judge panel ruled that the state of Mississippi redistrict five Mississippi House of Representatives districts and ten Mississippi State Senate districts. The court ruled that the former map violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. General electionSpecial general election for Mississippi State Senate District 45Johnny DuPree and Anna Rush are running in the special general election for Mississippi State Senate District 45 on November 4, 2025.
Democratic primary electionThe Democratic primary election was canceled. Johnny DuPree advanced from the special Democratic primary for Mississippi State Senate District 45. Republican primary electionThe Republican primary election was canceled. Anna Rush advanced from the special Republican primary for Mississippi State Senate District 45. |
Historical data
There were 1,007 state legislative special elections that took place from 2010 to 2024. Mississippi held 48 special elections during the same time period. The largest number of special elections in Mississippi took place in 2013 when nine special elections were held.
The table below details how many state legislative special elections were held in a state in a given year.
Special elections throughout the country
As of September 2025, 87 state legislative special elections have been scheduled for 2025 in 22 states. One special election has also been called to fill a vacancy in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Between 2011 and 2024, an average of 70 special elections took place each year.
Breakdown of 2025 special elections
In 2025, special elections for state legislative positions are being held for the following reasons:
- 37 due to appointment, election, or the seeking of election to another position
- 23 due to resignation
- 14 due to redistricting
- 13 due to the death of the incumbent
- 1 due to the officeholder leaving at term end
Impact of special elections on partisan composition
The partisan breakdown for the special elections is as follows:
- 47 Democratic seats
- 40 Republican seats
- One New Progressive Party seat
As of September 18th, 2025, Republicans controlled 55.51% of all state legislative seats nationally, while Democrats held 43.68%. Republicans held a majority in 57 chambers, and Democrats held the majority in 39 chambers. Two chambers (Alaska House and Alaska Senate) were organized under multipartisan, power-sharing coalitions. One chamber (Minnesota House of Representatives) was split evenly between both parties.
Partisan balance of all 7,386 state legislative seats | ||||||||
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Legislative chamber | ![]() |
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Vacant | ||||
State senates | 834 | 1,122 | 5 | 12 | ||||
State houses | 2,392 | 2,978 | 20 | 23 | ||||
Total: | 3,226
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4,100
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25
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35 |
The table below details how many seats changed parties as the result of a special election in 2025. The number on the left reflects how many vacant seats were originally held by each party, while the number on the right shows how many vacant seats each party won in the special elections.
Note: This table reflects information for elections that have been held and not the total number of vacant seats.
Partisan Change from Special Elections (2025) | |||
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Party | As of Special Election | After Special Election | |
Democratic Party | 47 | 26 | |
Republican Party | 40 | 19 | |
Independent | 0 | 1 | |
Total | 87 | 46 |
Flipped seats
In 2025, as of August 26, four seats have changed party hands as a result of state legislative special elections.
Seats that changed from D to I
Seats that changed from R to D
- Iowa State Senate District 35 (January 28)
- Pennsylvania State Senate District 36 (March 25)
- Iowa State Senate District 1 (August 26)
See also
- State legislative special elections, 2025
- State legislative special elections, 2024
- State legislative special elections, 2023
- State legislative special elections, 2022
- State legislative special elections, 2021
- State legislative special elections, 2020
- Mississippi State Legislature
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Justia US Law, "2020 Mississippi Code," accessed February 6, 2023 (Statute 23-15-851)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 State of Mississippi, Office of the Governor, "Writ of Election," January 3, 2025
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 State of Mississippi, Office of the Governor, "Writ of Election," February 4, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 State of Mississippi Office of the Governor, "Writs of Election," accessed July 9, 2025
- ↑ Super Talk Mississippi Media, "State Rep. Orlando Paden voted to replace Chuck Espy as Clarksdale mayor," June 3, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ ‘'The Greenwood Commonwealth’, "Jordan to retire from state Senate," May 28, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
- ↑ Magnolia Tribune, "Court approves remedial redistricting plan submitted by State Board of Election Commissioners," May 8, 2025
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