JACKSON, Miss.--Sollie Norwood is expected to be sworn in today as the newest state Senator. Norwood won a special run-off election last week.

The former Jackson School Board member replaces the late Sen. Alice Harden, who died last year after 24 years in the Senate.

Norwood beat former city councilman Marshand Crisler in the run-off and seven others from the special election, including Harden's niece.

He has big shoes to fill as Harden was a staunch advocate for public education, which is the focus of this legislative session. She was also the firs African-American female to serve in the Senate.