Hoots Senate campaign fundraiser backed by Hosemann

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – Alderman Charlie Hoots launched his campaign for the Mississippi State Senate with a well-attended fundraiser in Southaven, drawing strong backing from Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and community members from across DeSoto County.

Hoots is the Republican standardbearer for the Senate District 2 special election and faces Democratic challenger Theresa Isom. The current officeholder, state Sen. Dr. David Parker (R-Olive Branch) chose not to run for re-election when the three-judge federal panel mandated redistricting in DeSoto County to fulfill a successful lawsuit.

Hoots, an alderman in Southaven, underscored the importance of keeping the district in Republican hands to secure critical funding for major projects, including a $300 million sewer system upgrade.

“Our seat needs to remain Republican,” Hoots said. “Southaven, Horn Lake, and other DeSoto County cities face challenges we cannot solve alone. We need strong representation in Jackson to secure the state funding required.”

Hoots called the early support for his campaign “overwhelmingly successful,” but said the outcome hinges on voter turnout in the Nov. 4 special election. “This is not something we can take for granted. I need people to come out and vote,” he said.

Hosemann, who spent the day visiting local schools before attending the fundraiser, praised Hoots as a capable candidate who can ensure the district retains a seat at the table in the Republican supermajority. He pointed to more than $400 million in state funding invested in DeSoto County over the past five years, including $250 million for I-55 improvements, as examples of what GOP leadership has delivered.

“Charlie is a very capable candidate, and we need him,” Hosemann said. “If you don’t have someone in the Republican majority, you don’t have a voice in those decisions.”

Hosemann also addressed the circumstances behind the election itself, which was triggered by a federal court-ordered redistricting. He criticized the ruling, calling it disruptive and unnecessary.

“The court was dead wrong about this,” Hosemann said. “One of the few rights we have left as a state is to set our own legislative boundaries, and we did that through our elected representatives. This federal court order has caused chaos, but we have to live with it. That makes it even more important that this district remain Republican so DeSoto County continues to get the resources it needs.”

The special election for Mississippi Senate District 2 is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Pairings for the Nov. 4 special election are as follows:

• District 1: Michael McLendon (R) vs. Chris Hannah (D)
• District 2: Charlie Hoots (R) vs. Theresa Isom (D)
• District 11: Kendall Prewitt (R) vs. Reginald Jackson (D)
• District 19: Kevin Blackwell (R) vs. Dianne Dodson Black (D)