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October 9, 2020
Clarion Ledger: What You Need to Know About Mississippi Supreme Court Races
Voters will decide two contested state Supreme Court races in the Nov. 3 general election.
State Supreme Court Justice Kenny Griffis of Ridgeland faces a challenge from Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks of Lexington, who is seeking to become the first African American woman on the nine-member state high court.
In the other contested race, incumbent Justice Josiah Coleman of Choctaw County is seeking a second term. He faces a challenge from longtime Chancery Judge Percy Lynchard of Hernando in the north Mississippi district.
Candidates for state Supreme Court races run in nonpartisan elections, but that hasn't stopped contests from becoming highly partisan affairs, often with interest groups pumping money into ads and campaigns for certain candidates. The Mississippi Republican Party has endorsed incumbents Griffis and Coleman in their races.
No candidate had raised more than $100,000 when the last campaign finance report was filed in July. The deadline is Friday to file the latest campaign finance report with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office.
Griffis and Westbrooks are vying for the District 1 seat in central Mississippi covering the following counties: Bolivar, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington and Yazoo counties.
Name: Kenny Griffis
Age: 59
Experience: Appointed to Mississippi Supreme Court Feb. 1, 2019. Served on the Mississippi Court of Appeals for 16 years. He was a certified public accountant from 1984 to 2007. Serves as adjunct professor at the Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Education: Accounting and law degrees from the University of Mississippi.
His position: "I’m running based on my record and 18 years of experience as a constitutional conservative with a dedication to fairness and the rule of law," Griffis said. "On the Supreme Court, I’ve focused on applying the law, not legislating from the bench, because that’s what all Mississippians deserve."
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2020/10/09/what-you-need-to-know-about-mississippi-supreme-court-races/3637837001/
Meridian native Kenny Griffis was in his hometown campaigning Tuesday to remain on Mississippi’s highest court. Griffis, who was appointed to the Mississippi Supreme Court in 2019 to replace then Chief Justice Bill Waller Junior, spoke to the Meridian Optimist Club. He touts his three-decades plus experience in law and his 16 years on the Court of Appeals as key reasons to vote for him. “When the Chief Justice needs something done in Mississippi, they call on me,” said Griffis. “When they need case filing in the electronic courts, they’ve called on me. For judicial education, they’ve called on me. I’ve worked hard for these 33 years to participate in and advance the cause of justice in our state and essentially that’s what it’s about--making sure there’s justice in our court.” Griffis faces Court of Appeals Judge Latrice Westbrooks in this non-partisan election next Tuesday. https://www.wtok.com/2020/10/27/kenny-griffis-stumps-in-his-hometown-of-meridian/
Supreme Court Justice Kenny Griffis brought with him to the state’s high court 16 years of experience on the Mississippi Court of Appeals where he served as Chief Judge. Not just a lawyer, but also a Certified Public Accountant, Griffis has unique experience and education for the Court. He has a commitment to ensuring Mississippi judges are trained and professional on every level and has served on judicial committees to promote a better judiciary. He serves as adjunct professor at the Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Mississippi School of Law. With nearly two decades of decisions as a judge, he has proven time and again he is a conservative who follows the rule of law and has again been endorsed by the Mississippi Republican Party. Those who know Griffis also know he is an approachable, personable man. He and his wife are the parents of five boys and Griffis has served as a youth Sunday School teacher, a Cub Scout leader, and a coach for over 80 youth sports teams, including baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey. Whether you call him Coach Griffis or Judge Griffis, he has a record of respect in the community. We endorse Justice Kenny Griffis for re-election as Supreme Court Justice. https://onlinemadison.com/stories/editorialkenny-griffis-for-justice,32451
Neshoba County, Miss. (WTOK) - Several elected officials gathered in Philadelphia Tuesday for a meet-and-greet, as well as to discuss the issues that matter most to voters. “It’s very important to vote. We want the people to be informed that is why we have our officials here to answer questions,” said the chairman of the Neshoba County Republican Party, David Carter. “Were going to be electing our commander in chief, United States Senator, members of Congress, members of state Supreme Court and members of our circuit court bench,” said Congressman Michael Guest represents the 3rd District of Mississippi. The public met with their elected officials for a meet-and-greet dinner at the Bridges Venue. “I think people are excited. They want to come out and be part of this process. I believe the people here in our community want to see their elected leaders working together for the betterment of their community. They want to continue to see our communities remain great places to live, worship and raise a family,” said Guest. Congressman Michael Guest spoke on President Donald Trump’s health. He said that COVID-19 should be taken seriously. “If the president can be affected then any one of us can. I am excited to see the president return to the white house. He’s been released from the hospital. I hope that he can return to the campaign trail and continue to focus on rebuilding our country,” said Guest. Among the elected officials to speak was Congressman Michael Guest followed by State Supreme Court Justice Kenny Griffis- who is seeking re-election. “I’m out in the district taking my case to the voters about the Supreme Court. Educating people about the importance of the Supreme Court as well as the Supreme Court Justice election on the ballot in November. It’s my honor to continue to serve the people of East Mississippi the way I have for 18 years. I ask for their vote,” said Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Kenny Griffis. Each speaker addressed the audience, talking about their accomplishments, experience, and goals. The event also introduced the newly formed teenage republicans and we spoke with one of the young members. “It is surreal to be here at 15 years old surrounded by congressman, state officials, elected officials, and county officials. The chairman of the republican David Carter has been really great to us. It is awesome to be here,” said teen republican, Ty Martin. The event was hosted by the Neshoba County Republican Party. https://www.wtok.com/2020/10/07/meet-greet-with-elected-officials-in-philadelphia/
