November’s elections are fast approaching, and some Mississippi voters will find more than federal races on the ballot.
In House District 70, which spans part of northeast Hinds County and northwest Jackson, voters will choose a successor to Rep. Bo Brown, who died this summer. Following the Democratic lawmaker’s death, Gov. Tate Reeves called a special election to fill the vacant seat.
Three candidates have qualified to run. Here’s what to know about each ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Mississippi House District 70 candidates
The candidates vying for the District 70 seat are Imelda Brown, Marcus Cheatham, and James Lott III.
Brown is the widow of Rep. Bo Brown, to whom she was married for 54 years. An employee of Jackson Public Schools, she announced July 26 that she would seek to fill her late husband’s seat.
“This decision comes from love, from duty, and from a promise to continue the work of my husband,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “He dedicated his life to serving our community, and I intend to honor that legacy.”
Cheatham, a U.S. Army veteran and Jackson businessman, announced his candidacy in a July 23 Facebook post, writing that District 70 “deserves experienced leadership that puts people first.” He described his mission as “service before self.” His platform includes supporting small businesses and increasing public safety efforts.
Cheatham previously ran as a Democrat for the Jackson City Council’s Ward 2 seat but lost to Tina Clay in both 2024 and 2025.
Lott, the third candidate in the race, is the only contender with elected office experience. He serves as Ward 6 alderman in Clinton.
“Serving as Clinton Alderman has shown me firsthand how decisions made at the State Capitol affect every family, every business, and every community,” Lott wrote in a July 10 Facebook post. “The choices made in Jackson shape our schools, roads, public safety, economy, and the opportunities available to future generations.”
Lott’s campaign focuses on improving public schools, repairing roads, and expanding opportunities for small businesses.
What to know before heading to the polls
While absentee voting remains open, those who will be voting on Election Day are asked to visit their local polling location between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
READ MORE: What to know about Mississippi’s federal elections on Nov. 3
Mississippi voters must present an acceptable form of photo identification when voting in person.
Acceptable forms include a Mississippi driver’s license, U.S. passport, voter identification card, student identification card, and certain government-issued identification cards, among others.
Voters who do not have an acceptable form of photo ID may cast an affidavit ballot and have an opportunity to provide acceptable identification after Election Day.
