Candidates spoke about the second round of elections to the Supreme Court

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – One of Mississippi’s judicial races is heading toward a runoff election.

On Tuesday, neither candidate achieved the 50% plus one needed to win the race. The leaders will now advance to a second round of five candidates. State Senator Jennifer Branning received the largest share of the vote with 41.8%, while sitting Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens received 35.6%.

Both candidates said they were not surprised by the second round of elections.

Branning said they were thrilled with the turnout for Tuesday’s election.

“As we approach the runoff, we are already working very hard to get the message out to the people of Central Mississippi that they need Jennifer Branning as a constitutional conservative on the Mississippi Supreme Court,” Branning said.

Kitchens says he has the qualifications and experience for the position, and Branning says she has the energy and work ethic to serve the people of Mississippi well in the position.

As they prepare for the runoff elections, both candidates say they are pleased with Tuesday’s turnout and are looking forward to next steps.

“Well, yes, I contact my friends, my supporters, remind them and look for new people who did not vote this time.”

Kitchens congratulated the other candidates in Tuesday’s race.

“They all ran very well. They got a lot of votes and I congratulate them on that.”

Kitchen said he wants to remind people they can still vote.

“There are 22 counties in the Central Mississippi District, and I think people already know what it is, but I will keep reminding them,” Kitchens said.

If you didn’t vote on Tuesday but are registered to vote, you can still vote in the runoff election.

The second round will take place on November 26, 2024.

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