Mississippi lawmaker Andy Stepp has passed away at the age of 66.
The freshman member of the state’s House of Representatives died on Thursday morning, with the cause of death not currently being made available.
Stepp, a Republican, was elected to the legislature in 2023 after an unsuccessful attempt at winning the District 23 seat earlier that year. In a special election held following Jim Beckett’s departure from the House, Perry Van Bailey defeated Stepp by a mere seven votes.
Six months later, Stepp ousted Van Bailey in the primaries and went on to win the seat outright, holding the post until his passing.
Elee and I are saddened to learn of Rep. Andy Stepp’s passing.
Rep. Stepp was a committed public servant and dedicated to the residents of House District 23.
Please join us in praying for his family as we mourn his loss.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) December 5, 2024
The longtime Bruce resident was active in the community, serving on the city’s chamber of commerce’s board of directors and as the safety officer of the local volunteer fire department. Stepp also owned the Stepp-Saver Pharmacy in Bruce for over 35 years.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of fellow House colleague, Rep. Andy Stepp. A freshman member, Andy joined the legislature in 2024, and as a pharmacist and business-owner for 35 years, made a great contribution to legislation. The proud father of two daughters and…
— Jason White (@JasonWhiteMS) December 5, 2024
The governor has 30 days to set a date for a special election to fill the vacancy in the legislature. Lawmakers will gather at the state capitol on January 7 to kick off the 2025 legislative session.
