Gov. Tate Reeves has filled a vacancy on the state Supreme Court.
The governor announced on Monday that he has appointed Celeste Embrey Wilson to the Northern District 3, Place 1 seat formerly held by Robert Chamberlin, where she will assume her duties starting Aug. 1. Chamberlin was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve on the bench in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi in August 2025 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December.
Wilson currently sits as a circuit court judge for Mississippi’s 21st Judicial District, which serves DeSoto County. She has operated as a circuit court judge since her appointment to this position in February 2017. She initially served in the 17th Circuit Court District covering five counties, including DeSoto. Wilson previously served as the county court judge for DeSoto County from January 2009 through February 2017.
“Judge Wilson has dedicated her career to serving the people of Mississippi with integrity, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law,” Reeves said. “Her extensive judicial and prosecutorial experience, proven leadership within Mississippi’s court system, and deep understanding of our legal system make her an outstanding choice to serve on the Mississippi Supreme Court. I am confident she will faithfully serve the people of our state.”
Before taking the bench, Wilson was an assistant district attorney for Mississippi’s 17th Judicial District for seven years. In that role, she prosecuted cases throughout north Mississippi. Her legal career spans more than two decades of public service and judicial leadership.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this appointment and grateful for the confidence Governor Reeves has placed in me,” Wilson said. “I look forward to serving the people of Mississippi with integrity and an unwavering commitment to our Constitution and the rule of law.”
If a midterm vacancy occurs on the Mississippi Supreme Court, the temporary justice appointed by the governor will serve out the remainder of the predecessor’s term if four or fewer years remain. In Wilson’s case, however, the newly-appointed justice will only hold the title until a special election can determine a full-time officeholder since Chamberlin was re-elected less than two years ago.
Reeves did not announce the date of a special election for the Supreme Court seat, but one is expected to take place during November’s Congressional midterm cycle. The winner of that election will serve the remainder of Chamberlin’s term. Mississippi Supreme Court justices are elected to eight-year terms.
