See who is running against David Blount to represent Jackson, Byram, Terry in MS Senate

There is a contested race for Mississippi Senate District 29 that covers parts of Jackson, Byram and Terry in Hinds County.

Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, was first elected to the seat in 2007, and last faced competition in 2015, after running unopposed in 2019. He has the potential to face two challengers this year, one in the August Democratic primary, and if he wins that there will be a Republican on the ballot in November.

The primary election will be held Aug. 8, and the general election will be Nov. 7.

See who is running to represent District 29:

David Blount

Blount has represented the district in the state senate since 2008, and he currently serves as vice chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Blount is also vice chair of the Senate Education Committee and chair of the Senate Gaming Committee.

He is also a member of the following Senate committees:

• Elections

• Finance

• Accountability Efficiency and Transparency

• Highways and Transportation

• Public Property

• Universities and Colleges

• Medicaid

• Public Health and Welfare

Blount is a licensed real estate broker specializing in commercial real estate. Prior to his election to the state Legislature, Blount worked for then-Secretary of State Eric Clark.

Blount lists a number of key issues on his website, including supporting public education, protecting and expanding the right to vote, improving infrastructure, safeguarding retirement and civil service, protecting victims of domestic violence and government accountability.

Dwayne Pickett

Dwayne Pickett, also Jackson Democrat, is challenging Blount in the August primary. Pickett has been senior pastor of New Jerusalem Church of Jackson since 1996 and serves on the board of trustees at Mississippi College.

Past experiences include roles as executive director of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention Youth Department and director of Christian Education for the Southern Regional Youth Conference.

According to his website, Pickett plans to advocate for "racial and economic justice while also protecting our environment, supporting small businesses, providing access to quality healthcare, and transforming our education system."

Other issues listed on the website include repealing House Bill 1020, Medicaid expansion and economic development.

Michael Carson

Republican Michael Carson was most recently a candidate for the Republican nomination for Mississippi's Second Congressional District, a race he ultimately lost to Brian Flower, who himself was defeated by Democratic incumbent Bennie Thompson in the general election.

According to his Facebook page, Carson is a supporter of gun rights and securing the nation's borders. He also regularly shares posts from Republican lieutenant governor candidate Chris McDaniel. Carson does not have an official campaign website where he lists policy positions.

In an interview last year with SuperTalk Mississippi, Carson said he runs businesses. In the interview, Carson spoke out against abortion and COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Two Democrats, one Republican, are running for this local Senate seat