The final race from Mississippi’s House primary runoffs has been called with incumbent Rep. Nick Bain conceding Wednesday night.
Bain, a Republican who has served District 2 for three terms, fell to challenger Brad Mattox by less than one point. According to official results from the Associated Press, Mattox defeated Bain by 26 votes, or .56 percent.
In a social media post, Bain thanked those who have supported him over the past 12 years and said he looks forward to his next stop.
— Nick Bain (@StateRepBain) September 7, 2023
“I think all who encouraged me, supported me, and sometimes even corrected me along my path of public service,” a portion of Bain’s statement read. “I recognize that there are many ways a person can serve the public, and it doesn’t have to be as an elected official. It is important that all of us do what we can to serve others – no matter where we find ourselves. I will certainly do my part.”
Bain, who made headlines as a legislator after authoring Mississippi’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, fell after scrutiny from voters on his support of changing the state flag in 2020. At the time, Mississippi’s flag beared the Confederate battle emblem.
Mattox, a gunstore owner, will fill Bain’s seat in January as he will run unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election.
