Jenifer Branning, left, talks with diners Tuesday at Jean’s restaurant during a visit to Meridian as she campaigns for a seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Longtime Philadelphia attorney Jenifer Branning made a stop in Meridian Tuesday as she campaigns for a seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court.

The court is made up of nine justices, with three elected from each of the north, central and southern districts. Branning, who is running for a central district seat, must cover more than 22 counties in her bid for a spot on the highest court in the state.

Branning, who since 2016 has served residents of Senate District 18, which includes parts of Leake, Neshoba and Winston counties, in the Mississippi Senate, said her 20-year career as an attorney and 9-year run as a senator has prepared her well for the Supreme Court role.

As part of her duties in the Senate, Branning chairs the Highway and Transportation Committee. The 19-member committee is responsible for reviewing legislation and appropriations directly relating to the state’s critical infrastructure.

“Last year we passed a budget from that of $1.4 billion, so I’m confident that my leadership capabilities and ability to collaborate would serve me well in the Mississippi Supreme Court,” she said.

Branning said it is important to her that the court is seen as operating fairly. The Supreme Court, she said, must be impartial in its rulings.

“That’s the role of the judiciary, just to be fair and impartial in those rulings,” she said.

Another area of focus, she said, will be efficiency and reducing the amount of time it takes to get cases before the court.

The Meridian and Lauderdale County area is an important part of the central district seat, Branning said, and Tuesday’s visit was an opportunity to meet local voters and hear about the issues they care about.

Branning is one of four candidates challenging incumbent Justice Jim Kitchens, who has served on the court since 2008. Also appearing on the ballot will be Abby Gale Robinson, Ceola James and Byron Carter.

Election Day is Nov. 5. The winner will serve an eight-year term.