Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Here's a breakdown of Mississippi legislative races after Friday's deadline for candidates to file for state races. These numbers include candidates listed by the Democratic and Republican parties and independents listed on the secretary of state's website as of 5 p.m. Friday. It does not include candidates of smaller parties.
HOUSE
The 122-member House comprises 66 Republicans and 56 Democrats. Here's a breakdown of the 2015 campaign numbers:
Seats contested by candidates from both major parties, or involving a major-party candidate being challenged by an independent: 42.
Seats Republicans appear likely to control after this election: 41. This includes 26 Republicans with no announced opponents and 15 districts where multiple Republicans are contesting a primary with no Democratic or independent opponent.
Seats Democrats appear likely to control after this election: 39. That includes 20 Democrats with no announced opponent and 19 districts where multiple Democrats are contesting a primary with no Republican or independent opponent.
SENATE
The 52-member Senate today has 32 Republicans and 20 Democrats. Here's how the 2015 races shape up:
Seats contested by candidates from both major parties, or involving a major-party candidate being challenged by an independent: 19.
Seats Republicans appear likely to control after this election: 20. That includes 12 Republicans with no announced opponents and eight districts where multiple Republicans are contesting a primary with no Democratic or independent opponent.
Seats Democrats appear likely to control after this election: 13. That includes seven Democrats with no announced opponent and six districts where multiple Democrats are contesting a primary with no Republican or independent opponent.
UNCONTESTED
Among the notable members who drew no announced opposition Friday:
House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Herb Frierson, R-Poplarville.
Long-serving House Democrats Ed Blackmon of Canton, Tyrone Ellis of Starkville, Steve Holland of Plantersville and Percy Watson of Hattiesburg.
Sen. Tommy Gollott, R-Biloxi, who if he completes his next term will have served more than 50 years in the Legislature.
LIKELY FIRST-TIME WINNERS
Two candidates appear likely to win election to the Legislature for the first time without opposition:
Republican Brad Touchstone of Lamar County drew no opposition in House District 101 to succeed Rep. Hank Lott, R-Sumrall.
Republican Kevin Blackwell of DeSoto County drew no opposition in Senate District 19, an open seat created there after the last Census.
THE MORE, THE MERRIER
Some ballots will be crowded. Here are the two primaries with the most candidates running in one party:
Senate District 38, an open seat created when Kelvin Butler, D-McComb, chose not to run again, drew five Democrats: Angela Baker Brooks, Albert Eubanks, Gregory Harris, Daryl L. Porter Jr. and Tammy Felder Witherspoon. That race also has Republican Dennis Quinn and independent Bente Hess Johnson running in the general election, for the most total announced candidates of any legislative seat.
House District 24, an open seat created in DeSoto County, drew five Republicans: Rick Clifton, Rob Goudy, Jeff Hale, Les Hooper, and Marion Vinton. No Democrats or independents for the winner to worry about in the general election, though.
MOVING ON UP?
Former House Speaker Pro Tem Cecil Simmons, D-Mathiston, qualified to run in Senate District 15 against incumbent Sen. Gary Jackson, R-French Camp.
Rep. Dennis DeBar, R-Leakesville, withdrew from seeking re-election in House District 105 and qualified to run in the Republican primary in Senate District 43 against Sen. Philip Gandy, R-Waynesboro. The winner will face Democrat Towana Wright of Lucedale.
Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, is running for central district public service commissioner. Sen. Tony Smith, R-Picayune, is running for southern district public service commissioner. Rep. Mary Coleman, D-Jackson, is running for central district transportation commissioner.
An AP News Analysis
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