State Rep. Jansen Owen will not look to retain his seat in the legislature with his eyes set on transitioning to being a public servant in the courtroom.
Owen, a Republican from Poplarville, announced Thursday that he is running to become the next district attorney for the 15th Circuit Court District in Mississippi in 2027. His announcement follows the retirement of the district’s current DA, Hal Kittrell.
“It’s been an incredible honor serving the people of Pearl River and Lamar Counties in the Mississippi Legislature,” Owen wrote in the announcement. “Today, I’m announcing a new path towards continued service and launching my campaign for District Attorney for the 15th Circuit Court District, serving Marion, Pearl River, Lamar, and Walthall counties.”
If elected, Owen vows to uphold the rule of law, defend the state and federal constitutions, support victims, and serve his constituents “with integrity and professionalism.”
Owen was first elected to the House in 2019, becoming the youngest member of the legislature at the time. During his time in office, he became an ardent ally of Speaker Jason White in the push to expand school choice in Mississippi, while also championing efforts to impose stricter punishments on violent criminals and child predators. Most recently, he served on eight committees, including Judiciary B, Education, and Agriculture.
In addition to his work as a lawmaker, he also serves as the municipal court public defender for the city of Poplarville and as the public defender for lunacy court in Pearl River County.
Owen is a graduate of Pearl River Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Tulane University School of Law. An attorney by trade, the state lawmaker is the owner of Owen Law Firm, PLLC, where he represents clients throughout central and southern Mississippi.
He will continue working as a legislator during the 2027 session.
