Rankin County Court Judge appointed and special election set

Gov. Tate Reeves has appointed Judge James Kent McDaniel of Brandon to fill the vacancy in the Office of County Court Judge for Rankin County, Place 2, until such position is filled by special election. Additionally, Reeves issued a writ of election declaring that a special election will be held on Nov. 5, 2024, to fill the vacancy.

“I’m thankful for Judge McDaniel’s willingness to once again serve his community,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Judge McDaniel has a long and distinguished career on the bench. I know he will continue to do a great job and serve Rankin County with the highest level of integrity.”

McDaniel started his career with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in 1972 and previously served as a Rankin County Court Judge for 24 years. Additionally, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, director of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Chairman of the Conference of County Court Judges.

McDaniel also served with the 20th Special Forces Group of the Mississippi Army National Guard and the 112th MP Battalion. He is a graduate of Belhaven College and earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from Mississippi College School of Law, where he graduated at the top of his class. In 2013, he was awarded a Doctor of Laws Degree from Mississippi College School of Law.

McDaniel’s appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2024, and will expire on Jan. 5, 2025.

Governor Reeves issued a writ of election which declared that a special election would be held on Nov. 5, 2024. The qualification deadline for the election is Feb. 1, 2024. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast in the special election, a runoff election shall be held three weeks later.

The writ for the Office of County Court Judge for Rankin County, Place 2, special election can be found here.