By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Contributing Writer,
Will need pictures of Yemi Kings and Bridgette Morgan?
And Jim Kitchens and Jennifer Brannin?
The recent Mississippi runoff elections included several pivotal races that underscored the state’s political and social climate. Among the contests were high-stakes judicial positions, including a consequential race for the Mississippi Supreme Court’s Central District seat.
Hinds County Judicial Runoff
In Hinds County’s District 2 County Court race, Yemi “Larry” Kings narrowly defeated Bridgette Morgan by 249 votes, according to unofficial results. Kings, who will succeed Pieter Teeuwissen, faces the challenge of serving a district that has historically struggled with judicial efficiency and equity.
Mississippi Supreme Court Runoff
The most contentious race, however, was for the Central District seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court. The runoff pitted incumbent Justice Jim Kitchens, a seasoned moderate jurist seeking a third term, against State Senator Jenifer Branning, a staunch conservative endorsed by the state Republican Party.
Branning led by a slim margin of 518 votes out of over 128,000 counted, with more than 11,000 absentee ballots still pending as of press time. Kitchens, recognized for his balanced approach, was next in line to serve as chief justice, but his loss would mark a significant shift for Mississippi’s judiciary.
The Controversial Background of Jenifer Branning
Branning’s potential election has raised eyebrows not only for her judicial philosophy but also for her controversial background. As a legislator, Branning voted to keep the Confederate emblem on the Mississippi state flag—a symbol long associated with racism and oppression. Additionally, her family history includes connections to one of Mississippi’s darkest chapters: Branning is the granddaughter of a Klansman who owned the property where the bodies of three murdered civil rights workers—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner—were discovered in 1964.
For many, Branning’s ascendancy to the state’s highest court represents a continuation of Mississippi’s reluctance to reckon with its legacy of racial injustice. Her judicial philosophy, which prioritizes “constitutional conservatism,” is seen by critics as a thinly veiled defense of entrenched power structures that disproportionately disenfranchise Black Mississippians.
What Does This Say About Mississippi?
Mississippi, the state with the highest percentage of Black residents in the nation, has consistently failed to support policies or leaders that address the needs of its Black citizens. The potential election of Branning raises questions about the state’s commitment to fairness and equity.
“Is this the legacy Mississippi wants to leave?” asked one Jackson resident at a recent public forum. “A legacy where systemic racism is preserved at the highest levels of government?”
Critics argue that Mississippi’s reluctance to embrace progressive reforms perpetuates a cycle of inequality and alienation for its Black population. Advocates for change call for a judiciary that reflects the diversity and values of all Mississippians – not just those in power.
Historical Context and Implications
Mississippi’s judicial history has long mirrored its fraught political landscape, where decisions often prioritize maintaining power over promoting fairness. From resistance to civil rights in the 20th century to modern-day challenges of systemic inequity, the state has yet to fully embrace justice for all its citizens.
The outcome of this election could cement Mississippi’s reputation as a state more concerned with preserving old power structures than fostering a judiciary committed to equity and inclusion.
Conclusion
As Mississippi awaits the final results of the runoff, the nation watches to see whether the state will once again cling to its past or take steps toward a more equitable future. The election of Jenifer Branning to the Supreme Court would signify more than a political victory – it would reflect the enduring struggle over Mississippi’s identity and values.
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