Legislative races to be determined

The Reeves/ Waller and Fitch/ Taggart battles aren’t the only runoffs for Republican nominations on August 27. There are a number of runoffs in legislative races, many including incumbents who are hoping to be back for another term.

Here is a look at the runoffs for incumbents:

Senate District 1: Sen. Chris Massey of Nesbit received the most votes with 45 percent. He will face Hernando alderman Michael McLendon, who finished second with 30 percent, in the runoff.

House District 88: Rep. Gary Staples of Laurel finished second, winning 34 percent of the vote. Ramona Blackledge, the longtime Tax Assessor/ Collector in Jones County, led the field with 47 percent. 

House District 95: Rep. Patricia Willis of Diamondhead received 31 percent of the vote. Jay McKnight, a small businessman, led with 38 percent.

House District 105: Rep. Roun McNeal of Leakesville finished second with 37 percent of the vote. He trailed Dale Goodin, a longtime public school teacher and administrator, who received 42 percent of the vote.

House District 106: Rep. John Corley of Lumberton received 31 percent of the vote. Jansen Owen of Poplarville, an attorney, led the pack with 41 percent. 

House District 114: Rep. Jeffrey Guice received the most votes at 43 percent. Kenneth Fountain, the Chairman of the Jackson County School District Board, finished second with 35 percent.

Three Republican incumbents have already been defeated in the House: Reps. Greg Snowden, who is also the Speaker Pro Temp, Jeff Smith, who is the Ways & Means chairman, and William Shirley.  

Additional legislative runoffs in the Republican primary for open seats: