JACKSON, Miss.--Sollie B. Norwood will take the seat of the late Sen. Alice Harden in the Mississippi Senate, representing Dist. 28. That's parts of Hinds County and the Capital City.

Norwood got about 54 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. He beat out former Jackson city councilman Marshand Crisler, who has run unsuccessfully for a number of political positions since his stint on the council.

Norwood formerly served on the city's school board. Harden (D) was a staunch supporter of public education.

Harden, an educator, served 24 years. She was the first African-American female to serve in the Senate.

Meanwhile, a special election is set for March to replace Rep. Joe Gardner in the Mississippi House, who died earlier this year.