State Sen. David Parker has announced plans to step down from his District 2 seat in the legislature with a special election on the horizon.
Parker’s decision follows a three-person panel of federal judges’ approval of redrawn Senate lines in DeSoto County amid litigation by the NAACP aimed at increasing majority minority legislative districts in Mississippi. The redrawn lines altered the landscape of Parker’s district, making a special election necessary for voters in the newly aligned district to elect their lawmaker of choice.
In the meantime, Parker, a Republican, has decided not to seek a fourth term in office, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and “explore new ways to continue serving” his DeSoto County community as well as the state. As things stand, Southaven Ward 2 Alderman Charlie Hoots, a Republican, and Theresa Gillespie Isom, a healthcare instructor running as a Democrat, are the lone candidates seeking to fill Parker’s seat.
“After much prayerful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to retire early from my service in the Mississippi Senate. Serving the people of our great state for the past 12 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me throughout these years, and for the many friendships and partnerships that have grown along the way,” Parker wrote on social media.
“Throughout this journey, my wife has stood faithfully beside me, offering her unwavering support. Now, it is time for me to stand beside her as she continues her meaningful work in our community. This decision reflects my desire to devote more time to my family and to explore new ways to continue serving both our community and our state.”
When he’s not at the state capitol, Parker serves as an optometrist. This year, according to the state lawmaker, marks an important milestone for his eyecare clinic, and a departure from the Senate will afford him more time to serve the community in his medical capacity.
“This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of my Olive Branch Eyecare office. What began as one office has now grown into three locations serving patients throughout our area,” Parker continued. “Stepping away from the Senate at this time will allow me to return more fully to my practice and once again devote more time to seeing patients and supporting our staff as we continue to care for the vision and health needs of our community.”
During his time in the Senate, Parker made headlines for authoring a bill in 2024 to give the state control over Jackson’s water system following a months-long crisis that left over 150,000 people without clean drinking water. This year’s regular session also sparked controversy when Parker found himself in the middle of a feud between State Auditor Shad White and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann. Parker drafted legislation to restrict the state auditor’s power, prompting a quick response from the state official. The measure ultimately failed.
Parker plans to continue fulfilling his legislative duties until his term expires after a new lawmaker is elected to replace him. Candidates have until June 9 to qualify for the special election. A primary will be held on Aug. 5 with the general election set for Nov. 4.
