Mississippi’s Supreme Court Race Heats Up Ahead of November Election
Jackson, MS – Voters in central Mississippi will head to the polls on November 26 to decide who will occupy one of the state’s three seats on the nine-member Supreme Court, a critical body that rules on significant legal matters including criminal and civil appeals. Incumbent Justice Jim Kitchens is vying for a third term against State Senator Jenifer B. Branning.
Justice Kitchens, who first joined the bench in 2008, brings over 40 years of legal experience, including nine years as a district attorney. Notably, he completed a significant number of cases in 2023, with 260 decisions and thousands of motions processed. His campaign has garnered substantial funding, raising over $288,000, predominantly from trial lawyers, and receiving endorsements from civil rights groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center. Kitchens emphasizes impartiality in his judicial role and has been vocal about ensuring fair representation for defendants lacking resources.
On the other side, Branning, a Republican state senator since 2016, is running on a platform of conservative values without any prior judicial experience. Her campaign has raised an impressive $665,624, aided by a $250,000 personal loan. Branning is a staunch opponent of Roe v. Wade and advocates for reduced business taxes. Despite her financial backing, she has yet to respond to a candidate questionnaire issued by The Marshall Project.
As the election approaches, both candidates present contrasting visions for Mississippi’s judiciary, making this a pivotal moment in the state’s legal landscape. Voters will ultimately decide the future direction of the Supreme Court, affecting critical laws and society in Mississippi.
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