DeSoto County, MS – November 5, 2025 – The Mississippi Senate special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, marked a historic moment for DeSoto County, as Theresa Gillespie Isom became the first African American and female senator elected to represent the newly created majority-Black district. Her victory not only shattered historical barriers but also followed a court-ordered redistricting designed to ensure fairer representation for Black voters.
What Happened
Theresa Gillespie Isom, a Democrat, won the election with a decisive 63% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Charlie Hoots, who garnered 37%. This election, part of the Mississippi Senate special election, was the first time voters cast ballots in the newly established, majority-Black district, District 2, which includes portions of DeSoto and Tunica counties. The district was created after a federal court ruled that Mississippi’s previous legislative maps diluted Black voting power.
In her victory speech, Isom reflected on the significance of her win, stating, “Yes, it was history being made. First African American senator, as well as the first female senator in DeSoto County. So, it was history, and I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to be the one to step up and make history on last night.”
The Significance of the Election
Isom’s victory is seen as a monumental step forward for political representation in the state. The court-ordered redistricting ensured that voters in the newly created district would have a stronger voice, challenging the previous political landscape where many seats in the region were historically held by Republicans.
Isom shared her excitement about the opportunity to represent DeSoto County, emphasizing that her election means the community now has “a democratic voice” in the state legislature. She expressed that this was a victory not just for Democrats, but for all residents of DeSoto and Tunica counties, saying, “It’s gonna allow us… to have an opportunity to say some things that will help everybody. Not just Democrats, not just Republicans, not just Black or Brown people, or just white people, but everybody that lives in DeSoto and Tunica County.”
Campaign Focus and Values
A lifelong nurse and community advocate, Isom is passionate about issues such as affordable healthcare and access to healthcare, which she says are critical for the people of Mississippi. She promises to bring her experience and values to the state legislature in Jackson, focusing on the needs of families in her district.
Isom emphasized her commitment to fighting for all residents, regardless of political affiliation, and promised to continue advocating for those who often feel unheard. “I am someone that works for all of the people. Not just for some other people. People know from my previous history that I do stand up, and I will fight, and I will continue to fight until I see that the battle cannot be won,” Isom said.
The Future of District 2
Isom’s victory comes at a time of change for Mississippi’s political landscape. With the newly created district, District 2, the traditional supermajority in DeSoto County has been broken, offering a new opportunity for diverse voices to be represented. Isom’s victory is seen as a major step in breaking down barriers and offering a more inclusive future for Mississippi’s government.
As the newly elected senator for District 2, Isom is set to take office and begin the work of addressing critical issues facing her community. Her campaign and her election serve as a testament to the importance of fair representation and the power of grassroots political action.
Closing
Theresa Gillespie Isom’s historic victory has made her a trailblazer in Mississippi politics, and her election is a beacon of hope for greater diversity and representation in government. As she prepares to take on the role of senator for District 2, Isom remains committed to serving all of her constituents and working to ensure that their voices are heard in the Mississippi Senate.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
