Mississippi voters in parts of Simpson and Rankin counties will choose one of four candidates to represent Mississippi House District 77 in a special election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Use this guide to learn about candidates’ backgrounds and policy views.
Former Republican House District 77 Rep. Price Wallace of Mendenhall died on June 3, creating a vacancy. He had served in the House since 2018.
All candidates are running as nonpartisan since it is a special election. The winner of the special election will serve until the completion of Wallace’s original term, which ends in January 2028.
Christopher “Chris” Dunn
Background: Christopher “Chris” Dunn is the chief financial officer for Vestra Revenue Cycle Management, which he said is devoted to strengthening rural healthcare in the South. He worked as a community banker for 21 years beforehand.
Dunn has helped families, farmers, small businesses and hospitals “solve problems and build stronger communities” during his professional career, he said on his website. Dunn says he is a conservative.
If elected, a goal of Dunn’s is to help the state be as business-friendly as possible so people are able to start, operate and grow companies for decades with ease.
“This campaign is about faith, family, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense leadership,” the candidate said on his website. “It is about protecting our conservative values, supporting local businesses, strengthening rural healthcare, and ensuring Mississippi remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Policy Views:
- CFO of a company dedicated to strengthening rural healthcare in the South
- Wants to make Mississippi as business friendly as possible
- Says he’s a conservative
- Aims to build strong communities
Website: www.chrisdunnforstaterepresentative.com
Social Media: Facebook
Dianne McNair Gaddis
Background: Dianne McNair Gaddis is a Brooklyn, New York, native who owns and operates 3 Girls Trucking, Co. and 3 Girls Trucking Academy in Magee, Mississippi. Her trucking business has delivered food, milk and necessities to families in need in her community, she said on Facebook.
If elected, Gaddis pledges to focus on boosting food security, finding more affordable childcare options, investing in rural communities, improving infrastructure and being transparent about her decisions, she said in an Oct. 12 Facebook post.
The candidate also wants to expand career and technical education, workforce training and grow job opportunities to help Mississippians stay in the state, she said on Oct. 12.
“I am ready to sit down with the people of District 77 and hear your concerns,” she said in a Sept. 14 Facebook post. “And I am ready to work with our children, families, seniors, small businesses, schools, and communities. I don’t have to pretend that I know everything. Strong leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it is about having the courage to listen, the willingness to learn, and the determination to do the work.”
Policy Views:
- Owner of two small businesses
- Wants to increase jobs and invest in rural communities
- Hopes to grow job opportunities as well as career and technical education
- Aims to find more affordable childcare options
Website: None publicly available.
Social Media: Facebook
Melissa C. Sullivan
Background: Melissa C. Sullivan is a Mendenhall resident who has worked in healthcare for almost 30 years, starting her career as a staff respiratory therapist and now serving in management roles.
As a gun owner and supporter of strengthening 2nd Amendment rights, she earned an AQ, the highest rating from the National Rifle Association. The candidate says she is a Republican who is devoted to “faith, family and community.” Sullivan supports the agriculture ad-valorem property tax relief law passed in 2025.
The candidate wants to increase the number of doctors in Mississippi, prevent rural hospitals from closing, bringing more OB/GYN services to rural areas and increase training and recruitment to keep healthcare professionals in the state, she said in an Oct. 14 Facebook post.
“If elected to represent House District 77, I will continue to listen to the people and institutions that keep our communities moving forward,” she said in a Sept. 9 Facebook post. “I want to be a partner in finding practical solutions that support responsible growth, strengthen our local economy, and ensure Mississippi businesses have the opportunity to thrive.”
Policy Views:
- Has worked in healthcare for almost 30 years
- Supports gun ownership rights under the 2nd Amendment
- Wants to increase the number of doctors in Mississippi
- Hopes to prevent rural hospitals from closing and bring more OB/GYN services to rural areas
Website: None publicly available.
Social Media: Facebook
Craig T. Williams
Background: Craig T. Williams lives in Puckett, Mississippi. He is a fourth-generation farmer and small business owner of Wildcat Creek Shooting Preserve. He has served in law enforcement and fire service for more than 30 years.
The candidate wants to protect land, “outdoor heritage” and “way of life” in Mississippi, he said in a Sept. 12 Facebook post.
Three of Williams’ goals if elected are reducing taxes on small businesses, investing in reliable infrastructure and increasing pay and training for law enforcement and emergency response workers.
“I’ve spent my life serving this community, raising a family here, working here, and listening to the people who call District 77 home,” he said in a Sept. 8 Facebook post. “If I’m given the opportunity to represent our home and our communities in Jackson, that same commitment to service will guide every decision I make.”
Policy Views:
- Small business owner and fourth-generation farmer
- Wants to reduce taxes for small businesses
- Supports investing in reliable infrastructure
- Hopes to increase pay and training for law enforcement and emergency response workers
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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