By Stephanie R. Jones
Contributing Writer
Candidates Debra Gibbs and Synarus Green were the top vote getters in the State House of Representatives District 72 special election Aug. 23, and will meet in a runoff Sept. 13.
Gibbs led the race with 701 votes, just five votes more than Green, who had 696. The numbers were even closer in Hinds County voting, where Gibbs was in front of Green by one vote.
Two other candidates in the race received far fewer votes. Theresa G. Kennedy received 200 and A. Shae Buchanon-Williams got 158. There was one write-in vote cast.
The district covers parts of Hinds and Madison counties but most of the ballots were cast in Hinds.
The special election was held to fill the seat vacated by Kimberly Campbell, who was re-elected in November but recently left the Legislature for a position as state director of AARP.
Green, legislative/congressional liaison for the city of Jackson, touted his 20 years of experience working with government. He issued an open thank you note to his supporters via Facebook and email and reached out to those who voted for other candidates.
“I think my team put forth a great effort,” Green said Wednesday afternoon. “We have a great message and now we have three weeks to get that message to more voters.”
Green said those who voted for other candidates Aug. 23, may now pay more attention to his campaign. “If they look at my record, my background, what I propose, I think they will see I’m the best to serve District 72,” he said.
Gibbs, a Jackson attorney, focused her campaign on the district and state’s needs for economic development, better health care and improving education rates.
Gibbs did not respond to a request for an interview by deadline.
Stephanie R. Jones can be reached at srjones13@gmail.com or (601) 454-0372.
Be the first to comment