Voters in northeast Jackson, Mississippi, will choose one of three candidates to represent Mississippi House District 70 in a special election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Use this guide to learn about candidates’ backgrounds and policy views.
Former Democratic House District 70 Rep. William “Bo” Brown, left a vacancy in House District 70 when he died on June 8 after a lengthy illness. He had served in the House since 2020. The district is located exclusively within Hinds County.
All candidates are running as nonpartisan since it is a special election. The winner of the special election will serve until the completion of Brown’s original term, which ends in January 2028.
Imelda A. Brown
Background: Imelda A. Brown is a Jackson native and the wife of William “Bo” Brown. She is a Tennessee State University alumna.
The candidate works for the Jackson Public School District.
If voters elect her to serve, Imelda A. Brown said she will continue her husband’s legacy. He was a strong advocate for public education who disagreed with “school choice,” or allowing students to attend schools in districts in which they do not live.
“This decision comes from love, from duty, and from a promise to continue the work my husband, William “Bo” Brown, cared so deeply about,” she said in a July 26 social media post. “He dedicated his life to serving our community, and I intend to honor that legacy. I’ll work tirelessly for the constituents of District 70, for opportunity, and for fairness. I’m grateful for your trust and support, and together, we’ll carry his vision forward.”
Policy Views:
- Tennessee State University alumna
- Jackson Public School District employee
- Vows to continue husband William “Bo” Brown’s legacy
- Advocate for strong public education
Website: None publicly available.
Social Media: Instagram
Marcus A. Cheatham
Background: Marcus A. Cheatham is a U.S. Army colonel with 31 years of military service.
He unsuccessfully ran to be Jackson’s Ward 2 city councilman in the 2025 primary elections, losing to longtime incumbent Kenneth Stokes.
Cheatham said he wants to strengthen public schools, fix pothole-riddled roads, create reliable water and sewage drainage, boost economic development, maintain clean neighborhoods and improve public safety. The candidate also aims to expand mental health services, increase affordable housing and create jobs to decrease homelessness using “real solutions” instead of “temporary fixes,” he said on social media.
“Now, I’m asking for the opportunity to serve District 70 with the same integrity, accountability, and commitment that defined my military career,” he said in a July 21 Facebook post. “This campaign is about listening to our communities, strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting our schools, promoting public safety, and creating opportunities for every family in District 70.”
Policy Views:
- Strengthen public schools
- Reduce homelessness using systemic solutions
- Create jobs and economic opportunities
- Fix pothole-riddled roads and other failing infrastructure
Website: None publicly available.
Social Media: Facebook
James Lott III
Background: James Lott III is a Mississippi Air National Guard veteran and current city alderman for Clinton’s Ward 6. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in urban higher education at Jackson State University.
Lott is currently the director of student recreation at Hinds Community College, where he fosters inclusivity and enhancing student success, especially for minority students. The candidate was previously a high school teacher and a coach. He also worked as the commander of the Hinds County COVID-19 Vaccine Site during the pandemic.
As a Clinton alderman, Lott highlighted the economic boost that data centers could bring to the area when speaking to some Jackson residents at JSU on June 12. Jackson city officials have delayed any action of constructing a potential data center in North Jackson by six months until it passes regulations.
“Data centers are essentially the way forward,” Lott told the group at JSU on June 12. “What we as elected officials have to do is find that balance between the economy and the safety of our residents.”
Policy Views:
- Boost public education opportunities
- Supports data centers
- Current city alderman for Clinton’s Ward 6
- Supports vaccine availability
Website: None publicly available.
Social Media: Facebook
Follow the Mississippi Free Press’ coverage of the 2026 elections and read past stories here.
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