Whaley, Blackwell, Massengill re-elected
Incumbents are going back to Jackson to represent Marshall County in the state Legislature.
Winners in last week’s general election were senators Neil Whaley and Kevin Blackwell and representative Steve Massengill. Unopposed on the ballot were representatives John Faulkner and Bill Kinkade.
In the Senate District 10 race, Whaley defeated former Holly Springs mayor André DeBerry 8,716 to 6,335, according to unofficial totals.
Whaley, a Republican from Potts Camp, won his first full term in the Senate. He has served two years after winning a special election in November 2017.
DeBerry, a Democrat, got the most votes in Marshall County, by a margin of 479, but Whaley dominated in Tate, carrying that county by 2,860 votes.
“We felt we would trail in Marshall County, but we kept it close here, and then we were able to pull ahead with the vote in Tate County,” Whaley said.
“We couldn’t be more happy with the way the boxes broke down. We got a lot of crossover votes, and that’s encouraging.
“I promised, when I was first elected, to represent everyone. I want to represent everybody in the district – whether Democrat or Republican.”
He said the only place he has ever lived, other than Marshall County, is in a dormitory at Northwest Community College in Senatobia.
“Tate County is like a second home to me,” Whaley said.
Massengill of Hickory Flat won his third term in the House. He represents District 13, which includes portions of Benton, Marshall, Lafayette and Union counties. He led the ticket in every county. Unofficial totals showed Massengill, the Republican candidate, with 5,814 votes and Democrat Pamela Denham with 2,655.
“It’s always good to win, and I’m looking forward to doing more good things for Benton, Marshall, Lafayette and Union counties,” Massengill said. “We’ve been able to bring back money for various projects, and we certainly want to continue that. Everything helps.”
Blackwell, a Republican, was re-elected to his Senate District 19 seat. His district covers parts of Marshall and DeSoto counties. He led the ticket in both counties and coasted to a comfortable victory over his Democratic opponent, Dianne Black. The unofficial count was 8,339 for Blackwell and 4,731 for Black.
In an e-mailed “thank you,” Blackwell wrote, “We have a lot to do in Mississippi, and we’re ready to hit the ground running.”
He was first elected in November 2015.
Faulkner and Kinkade will also return to Jackson.
Faulkner, a Democrat, represents District 5 in the House. The district covers parts of Marshall, Benton, Lafayette and Tate counties. He was first elected in November 2013.
Kinkade, a Republican, represents District 52 in the House. It includes portions of Marshall and DeSoto counties. He was first elected in November 2012.
Other winners in the Tuesday, Nov. 5, election included Tate Reeves, governor; Delbert Hosemann, lieutenant governor; Michael Watson, secretary of state; Lynn Fitch (a Holly Springs native), attorney general; David McRae, state treasurer; Andy Gipson, commissioner of agriculture; Mike Chaney, commissioner of insurance; John Caldwell, North District transportation commissioner.
Shad White was unopposed for state auditor. Brandon Presley was unopposed for Northern District public service commissioner.
All candidates for elected office in Marshall County were unopposed – C.W. “Chuck” Thomas, chancery clerk; Monet Bell Autry, circuit clerk; James Richard Anderson, coroner; Shirley C. Byers, county attorney; Kenny Dickerson, sheriff; Juanita M. Dillard, tax assessor; Betty Byrd, tax collector; Charles E. Terry, supervisor, District 1; Eddie D. Dixon, supervisor, District 2; Keith Taylor, supervisor, District 3; George Zinn III, supervisor, District 4; Ronnie Joe Bennett, supervisor, District 5; Mae Garrison, justice court judge North District; Cathy Elliott Brittenum, justice court judge South District; Michael Perkins, constable North District; Falando Marion, constable South District.
Voter turnout in Marshall County was 40 percent.