Calhoun County native Perry Van Bailey was sworn in as the newest representative in the Mississippi House of Representatives on Tuesday, replacing former Rep. Jim Beckett.
Beckett, who resigned from his position in the House after being named executive director for the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff, served in the Mississippi legislature for nearly two decades.
Now, Van Bailey has begun his time as a state lawmaker after a close-call special election to represent House District 23.
Congratulations to Perry Bailey, the newest representative of District 23. Rep. Bailey took the oath of office today surrounded by his family. #msleg pic.twitter.com/5XCRPWiSbK
— Mississippi House of Representatives (@MSHouseOfRep) February 14, 2023
In late January, Van Bailey beat candidate Andy Stepp by just seven votes during the special election, with both lacking a partisan affiliation on the ballot. Van Bailey has since stated that he plans to caucus with the Republican Party.
The new representative is expected to reappear on the ballot during the Republican primary in August, making him the shortest-tenured legislator in either chamber.
