Winning is just the beginning for Rep.-elect Hall

State Rep.-elect Rodney Hall knows winning an election is one thing, but the real work is just beginning.  

Hall won the Republican nomination for the new House District 20 on Tuesday, Aug. 8 over Southaven Alderman Charlie Hoots with 54.8 percent of the vote. As the Republican nominee, Hall became the next state representative as there were no Democrats to challenge him on the ballot.  

Last January, Hall announced his candidacy for the seat.  

With his election, Hall will become the first African-American Republican member of the House since Reconstruction when the 2024 session starts in January.  

This was the first trip into the political ring for Hall but he has some political background as a former staffer for Congressman Trent Kelly. Hall is a prosecuting attorney, and is a major in the Army National Guard. 

Now, he is starting his preparations to represent the residents of DeSoto County, in particular House District 20, which was drawn with redistricting to include parts of Southaven and Olive Branch adjacent to the Tennessee border. Hall said meeting with as many leaders and constituents is a high priority. 

“I want to talk to all the leaders, business leaders, faith-based leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and our citizens,” Hall said. “Right now that is what I am focused on, trying to figure out how to best communicate and keep engaged with the voters and the community, so when January starts, we can hit the ground running.”

Hall credits the work of local leaders, such as Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams, Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite, DeSoto County Supervisors, DeSoto Council President/CEO Jim Flanagan, aldermen and others who spurred the county’s growth over the past several years. 

“They’ve done a fantastic job as far as setting us up and ushering in great growth and great value to DeSoto County,” said Hall.  

Without an opponent in November, Hall said he now has ample time to get a foundation and be ready to represent when the session starts in January.  

“I want to use this time wisely, ” Hall said.