STATE SENATE DIST. 31

Hampton Gardner

Residence: Decatur, Newton County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: State Senate District 31.

Education: 12th grade Killeen High School; 2 years junior college, numerous insurance certificates.

Work experience: 39 years in insurance business and general agent for Banker’s Insurance Company.

Why are you running: For the past couple of terms this area has been overlooked by our present senator. We need devoted leadership, compassion and experience at the Capitol for this area.

Why are you a good candidate: For the past seven years working in the insurance industry it has been necessary to be involved with both the House and Senate. I have been successful in getting several Senate bills passed into law. It takes time building relationships with both sides. Today, two-thirds of the senators are successful, established business men and women.

Contact: senate31@hamptongardner.com and hamptongardner.com, office 601-635-4285 or cell 601-479-6796.

Mike Marlow

Residence: Scott County.

Party affiliation: Democrat.

Office Sought: State Senate District 31.

Education: Graduated high school in 1984, obtained EMT certification at Meridian Community College in 1988 and Fire Certification from the MS State Fire Academy in 1989. Graduated the MS State Fire Academy, Executive Fire Officer program in 2008.

Work experience: I have 10 years’ experience working within the manufacturing industry with two major international companies, Peavey Electronics and Avery Dennison. I have worked in the fire service both paid and volunteer for over 25 years as a firefighter/EMT.

Public offices held: Served as a delegate to the National Homeland Security Congress in Washington DC from 2008 to 2010.

Why are you running: I am running because the citizens of Lauderdale, Scott and Newton counties deserve an effective leader with the commitment, experience and proven record on the issues relating to our District.

Why are you a good candidate: I will constantly fight for a better way of life for all residents of District 31. I will focus on issues that directly relate to our district. I will strive to create a foundation for economic growth and stability within our district and throughout the state. This is accomplished by addressing the underfunding of our public-school system and fully funding MAEP, fixing our infrastructure that has been neglected at the state level for many years and improving our access to rural healthcare as well as improving their facilities.

Contact: mikemarlow31@yahoo.com.

Tyler McCaughn

Residence: Newton, Newton County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Senate District 31.

Education: Morton High School, Jones County Junior College (AA-Criminal Justice), The University of Mississippi (BA political science), Mississippi College School of Law (JD).

Work experience: George S. Monroe, Attorney at Law, Monroe & McCaughn, PLLC, Attorneys at Law; J. Tyler McCaughn, PLLC, Attorney at Law; Hickory Town Attorney; Decatur Municipal Judge; Board Attorney for the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority.

Why are you running: I am running to build a brighter and stronger future for all of East Central Mississippi through education, industry, agriculture and economic development.

Why are you a good candidate:  I am a lifelong resident of this district who sees the challenges and successes daily. As a trained and experienced attorney, I am ready to fight for our small town values in Jackson. As a farmer, attorney and small business owner, I feel that I am able to provide honest, workable solutions to the needs of our citizens across the state. I am the candidate that can build on the past successes of our district and can lead us forward.

Contact: www.tylermccaughn.com; tyler@senate31.com;  (601) 683-2382;  Visit my office at: 500 Decatur St., Newton, MS 39345.

STATE SENATE DIST. 33

Erle E. “Bubby” Johnston

Residence: Quitman, Clarke County.

Party affiliation: Republican .

Office sought: State Senate, District 33 (Clarke and Lauderdale counties).

Education: Forest High School, 1971 graduate; Mississippi State University, Starkville, 1975 graduate (bachelor’s degree in general business; minor emphasis in journalism) .

Work experience: I worked approximately eight years with my late father (Erle Johnston) at our family-owned Scott County Times weekly newspaper, serving five of those years as editor. I was employed for 28 years at East Central Community College in Decatur, serving as director of public information and later vice president for public information. I retired from ECCC in December 2014.

Public offices held: This is my first campaign for public office.

Why are you running: For me, it’s all about public service! I am in this race because I have the work experience, the “people” experience, as well as the time, energy and passion to be an effective leader and voice for the people of District 33 and the state of Mississippi.

Why are you a good candidate: I am very familiar with the legislative process, having served as part of a “lobbying team” during my 28 years as an administrator at East Central Community College in Decatur. We all made several trips to the state Capitol each year to request more funding for the state’s community and junior colleges. Since my retirement from ECCC in December 2014, I continued meeting with legislators as a volunteer lobbying with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The mission of ACS CAN is to support legislation to prevent cancer, most recently focusing on the harmful effects of indoor tanning devices on teenage girls.

I care deeply about District 33 and the Magnolia State and want to do all I can for the betterment of our citizens, especially in the areas of public education, economic development, workforce development, all aspects of health-related Issues, roads and bridges, and state parks.

Contact: Email bubbyj@bellsouth.net, cell phone 601-481-5493. I can also be reached on Facebook and Twitter.

Jeff Tate

Residence: Causeyville community of Lauderdale County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: State Senate District 33.

Work experience: COO of Meridian Sod and Sheetrock for 13 years; owner of Tate’s Fireworks for four years; owner of Southern Lights Pyrotechnics; and co-owner of Pinchin’ Tails.

Public offices held: District 5 Lauderdale County Election Commissioner for 10 years, Chairman of the Election Commission for six years.

Why are you running: I am running for State Senate because I want to create more opportunities and prosperity for families in East Mississippi.

Why are you a good candidate: For 10 years, I have been working diligently as election commissioner to save taxpayer dollars in each election cycle. Through my experience in the private sector, I understand the importance of a fiscally responsible government and methods to promote economic prosperity in our community. In addition, my experience in the workforce has instilled in me a notable work ethic, an appreciation for skilled labor, and a drive to bring workforce development to East Mississippi.

Contact: I am available by call or text at 601-527-4124 or email at jefftate@causeyville.com.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE DISTRICT 78

Randal (Randy) Rushing

Residence: Decatur, Newton County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: House of Representatives District 78.

Education: AA Degree, personnel administration.

Work experience: Retired 25-plus years MS Air National Guard.

Public offices held: Alderman, Town of Decatur, 3 years; Mayor, Town of Decatur, 2 1/2 years; Representative, 7 1/2 years.

Why are you running: I have enjoyed serving the Citizens of House District 78 over the past 7 1/2 years. I would like to continue to help bring funding for infrastructure, and growing jobs in East Central Mississippi.

Why are you a good candidate: I have a strong desire to help people. My 7 1/2 years experience in the Legislature provides me the experience to help our area. As chairman of Municipalities Committee, I feel I’m qualified to continue with helping East Central Mississippi.

Contact: Email: rrushing@house.ms.gov or phone 601-917-9504.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE DISTRICT 81

Steve Horne

Residence: Lauderdale County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: House of Representatives, District 81.

Education: Bachelor of science in political science, University of Southern Mississippi.

Work experience: Retired from the insurance industry.

Political offices held: Four terms as District 81 representative.

Why are you a good candidate: Since elected 16 years ago I have worked for and supported legislation that promotes family values, supports our volunteer fire departments, and provides for the needs of our senior citizens and the disabled. I am a conservative who has opposed and will continue to oppose any and all tax increases. I am for individual rights and less governmental intrusion, better government not more government is the answer. It is your government, your elected office and your voice in the Capitol.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE DISTRICT 82

Charles L. Young Jr.

Residence: Meridian, Lauderdale County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: House of Representatives, District 82.

Education: Meridian High, Tougaloo College.

Work experience: E. F. Young, Jr. Mfg. Co.

Public offices held: MS Legislature House of Representatives, 8 years.

Why are you running: Seeking re-election.

Why are you a good candidate: I recognize and support the needs of the constituents in my district, Meridian and Lauderdale County. I work to bring positive growth to our local area and the entire state of Mississippi.

Contact: Capitol, 601-359-2432; cell, 601-213-4682; email cyoung@house.ms.gov.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE DISTRICT 83 

Billy Adam Calvert

Residence: Bailey community, Lauderdale County.

Party Affiliation: Republican.

Office Sought: House of Representatives, District 83.

Education: 1997 graduate of Kemper Academy; associate of arts from East Mississippi Community College, 1999; bachelor of science from University of Mississippi, 2002.

Work experience: Chief executive officer for Southern Business Supply for over 17 years.

Public offices held: None.

Why are you running: I strongly believe there is a need for change and the time is now. I have been blessed with five beautiful children and I want them to have a future with economic opportunities. East Mississippi and Lauderdale County are declining in the area of economic development. The political leaders of this state must stand up and fight for economic growth in our area.

Why are you a good candidate: First and foremost, I am not a career politician. I am a businessman who knows the daily struggles of trying to succeed in an area of declining economic growth. I know what it is like to provide a payroll for my employees and to be responsible for a fiscally sound budget. I believe the knowledge I have gained by actually running a business will be valuable as well in helping to run the government of the state of Mississippi. I believe East Mississippi and Lauderdale County have the potential for a bright economic future, but we have to aggressively seek out those opportunities by working together as political leaders on both the State and Local levels.

Contact: Email: billyadamcalver24@comcast.net; Facebook.

Greg Snowden

Residence: Meridian.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: District 83, Mississippi House of Representatives.

Education: Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D. 1979; University of Alabama, B.A. magna cum laude, 1976; Meridian High School, 1972; Meridian Public Schools, grades 1-12.

Work experience: Attorney in private practice in Meridian, 1981 through present.

Public offices held: Mississippi House of Representatives, 2000 to present; Speaker Pro Tempore, 2012 to present.

Why are you running: I have accomplished much in office, but important work remains. I humbly ask citizens for the continued support with which have always been so generous.

Why are you a good candidate: My experience, relationships, conservative voting history, and solid record of achievement make me the best choice. I am Speaker Pro Tempore, the second-highest ranking leader in the House. We are losing much local legislative seniority through retirement, and this frankly makes my re-election essential for our community’s success. My lifetime ranking by the American Conservative Union is the highest among local legislators, I hold an A+ NRA rating, my views are in sync with our citizens’ values, and I have consistently delivered results for the people of District 83.

Contact: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepSnowden; Website: gregsnowden.com; Text or call: 601-527-5350.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE DISTRICT 84 

Roy May

Residence: Hickory,  Newton County. Originally from Quitman, Clarke County.

Party: Independent.

Office sought: House of Representatives District 84.

Education: Graduate of Mississippi State University – Civil Engineering (registered professional engineer); attended University of Southern Mississippi-pre-engineering; honors graduate Quitman High School.

Work experience: Mississippi Department of Transportation 29 years; owner of May Auto Sales, cattle farmer, tree farmer, owner/partner May Quick Lube Tire and Alignment.

Why are you running: I want to Enhance Economic Development in District 84 so that our young adults will have access to better paying jobs. Our young adults shouldn’t have to move away from the areas they love to secure employment to provide for their families.

Why are you a good candidate: I support fully funding education. I will support funding for infrastructure that will enhance economic development and ensure East Central Mississippi gets its share of the funding to repair and upgrade a failing infrastructure. I will support some form of Medicaid expansion to ensure that rural hospitals remain open, reduce the financial burdens our hospitals incur from indigent care, and the elderly receive the healthcare they deserve.

Contact: Email address coleyroymay@gmail.com; phone 601-917-5718.

William E. Shirley Jr.

Residence: Clarke County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Mississippi House of Representatives District 84

Education: Graduate of Quitman High School, Meridian Community College, Missouri Auctioneer school, 4 years in the US Coast Guard.

Work experience: Served 4 years in US Coast Guard, Bell South district manager, worked in oil fields all over world, owner of The Family Fish Camp, served as a MS Legislator for eight years.

Public office held: Served for eight years in the MS House of Representatives.

Why are you running: I love helping people and being a good steward of the people’s resources. I stand up and fight against wasteful spending. I’m not a yes man.

Why are you a good candidate: I say what I mean and mean what I say. I actively fight for our unborn, second amendment rights, limited government and free enterprise. I have voted and will continue to vote against spending outside what we have in budget. Our state owes over $4.441 billion in bonds. I will also continue to promote economic development. I support our public safety and education. As a veteran, I will continue to fight and get all the help I can for them.

Contact: Cell, 601-513-9428 email Wshirley@house.ms.gov. Home address is 911 CR 140, Quitman, MS 39355. Facebook page is Representative William Shirley or our family page William N Benita Shirley.

Troy Moss Smith

Residence: Enterprise, Clarke County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: District 84 House of Representatives.

Education: Honor Graduate from Quitman High School. Completed one year at Jones County Junior College.

Work experience: Worked in oilfield offshore three years; Burlington Industry, shift supervisor then promoted to department manager, 16 years; Owner of Longs Fish Camp from 1999 until present.

Public offices held: Supervisor of Clarke County District 3 from 2012 to present.

Why are you running: I am running for state representative to give District 84 a strong voice for the working man and woman in East Central Mississippi.

Why are you a good candidate: I will always keep our three counties and municipalities in mind, and will vote for infrastructure monies to come to District 84. I will strive to fix our problem with state workers and teachers, whose pay is 47th out of 50 states, along with our MS Adequate Educational Program, which is not working. Last but not least is our economic development. I will strive and be dedicated to fulfill jobs in East Central Mississippi. I will vote with common sense for you in this office.

Contact: Text or call: 601-527-7991.