06-08-2025
Thompson secures new term in special election
TUPELO — Incumbent Democrat Rickey Thompson has defeated his opponent and will continue to represent District 16 in the Mississippi House of Representatives following a special election that saw low turnout across four counties.
Thompson defeated his challenger, Brady Davis, during Tuesday's primary election. Following a redistricting that mandated the election, District 16 covers portions of Chickasaw, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties.
'I'm feeling like it is time to make things happen for Northeast Mississippi and we are already on the way,' Thompson said. 'I want to thank from the bottom of my heart the people of District 16. I am deeply honored. This victory does not belong to me. It belongs to the neighbors who opened up their door for me. It is about the people.'
District-wide, Thompson secured 1,325 votes (79%) to Davis' 348 votes (21%) according to unofficial results provided by circuit court clerks in Lee, Chickasaw, Monroe and Pontotoc counties.
With no Republican or third-party challengers, Thompson secured his seat for a new term. This will be Thompson's third term. His second was cut short by this special election, which was forced by the redistricting.
In Chickasaw County, Thompson beat out Davis by securing 62 votes to Davis' six. In Lee County, where the bulk of the electorate lives, Thompson received 1,109 votes to Davis' 288. In Monroe County, Thompson secured 110 votes while Davis received 17, and in Pontotoc County, Thompson earned 44 votes while Davis tallied 37.
Voter turnout was lean, with the lowest in Pontotoc County showing just 4.4% of eligible voters taking part in the election. Chickasaw County saw an almost 19% turnout, Lee County had a 12% turnout and Monroe County had a 9% turnout.
With the dust settled, Thompson said he again wants to focus on healthcare, education and infrastructure in the coming legislative session, noting that he also plans to begin employing more townhall meetings to 'keep the citizens abreast of the goings on in Jackson.'
Monroe County Journal Managing Editor Ray Van Dusen contributed to this article.
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