Curressia M. Brown, a candidate for Mississippi Senate District 24, spoke with the Mississippi Free Press on Nov. 19 about her views on the issues affecting voters in the district, which includes parts of Leflore, Panola and Tallahatchie counties.
She is in a Dec. 2 runoff for a special election to replace retiring Sen. David Jordan, who has represented the district since 1993. The Mississippi Free Press also reached out to Brown’s runoff opponent, Justin Pope, for an interview, but did he did not grant one.
Brown, a long-time Leflore County resident, is an educator of over 20 years who says she believes that it is time for her to serve her community on the state level.
Reporter Jaylin Smith’s Q&A with Brown is presented below with light edits for clarity.
Jaylin Smith: Why are you running for state senate?
Curressia M. Brown: I am running for state senator because District 24 deserves to be heard. District 24 deserves the resources that its citizens need. Our families deserve access to health care that’s close to home. Our children deserve fully funded schools. Those people who go to work every day deserve wages they can live on and our communities, the people in our communities—all of us—deserve safe streets.
We deserve to be comfortable in our homes and in our local communities. And I believe that by joining those in our state who are responsible for the laws that govern us, responsible for the economic opportunities that come into the state, and determining what resources are allocated for what areas or what regions that I can have an impact in that area.
You ran for state senate as an independent against Senator Jordan in 2023. Why are you running again?
I’m running again because we’re still facing the same challenges today that we were facing then. When there is an incumbent, sometimes people get comfortable, and we do things the way we’ve always done them. When you have an individual who has been in the seat for 32 years, you have to consider why and how that’s happened.
Now I will say that I respect former Senator David Jordan. I respect the work that he did as a member of the Greenwood City Council, the work that he has done in the community. I believe longevity has its place. But I also believe longevity has to have a purpose, and if you are somewhere for 32 years, that purpose should be evident in terms of what’s happening in our community. And I have prepared myself. I’m capable, competent and qualified to take the baton from here.
What are the top issues District 24 faces that you will focus on?
Health care is at the top everywhere, across the counties, across communities. Access to health care, not only whether or not we will have the hospital and health care services that are in our community, but there’s also an issue with regard to confidence in health care. In one instance, the community discussion was around whether or not the care provided in their community was adequate to meet the needs of the community, or if individuals were still traveling 45 to 60 miles away, even though there were healthcare facilities in closer proximity.
So the health care issue is not just access to healthcare, but confidence in health care. The other issue that has risen to the top, and it’s always been in my top three. See that there has been a great deal of conversation around education, and I think it’s tied to a number of things. It’s actually education, economic development and even public safety.
What are some of District 24’s jewels or advantages?
The first one is the people. (There are) individuals whose work ethic is second to none. There are people who want to work, but what they’re missing is opportunity. I would say our land. Some of it’s not developed, but there is an opportunity in terms of our state government on how we can develop and create spaces in our communities that can support business and industry.
Our people first, our land second, and our values, history and culture. We’re people of strong faith. We believe in family. We believe that if you work hard, then you can attain those things that you desire.
Let’s talk about economic development. How do you balance economic growth for industry while also being mindful of agricultural and environmental concerns?
I think we have to be mindful as we go into communities and (meet) with mayors and their respective economic development teams. They would be the ones who could help ensure that the sites or properties for development are identified and compatible with what’s going on in those communities and respecting the farmers and farmland.
Agriculture is essential. It is very essential to our economies here in the Mississippi Delta. At the same time, it is not our sole economic driver. It’s major. Yes, we want to protect our farmland. We want to protect our farmers and make sure they have the resources they need. At the same time, Mississippi as a whole is facing a brain drain. We have individuals who are going out, getting degrees and skills, and then they (ask), “What do I do with it here in Mississippi?”
I believe a (balance) can be done, but that would have to be a conversation that’s had with the economic development folks in the three counties.
You’re a long-time resident of Leflore County. How have you reached possible constituents in the other counties in your district?
Walking and talking. Phone calls and reaching out. Opening the lines of communication. When you go into a rural community and you see those gentlemen sitting around under a tree or those mothers sitting on the porch, those are the village elders. As I’ve gone and gotten to know them for their wisdom, they help me understand the lay of the land.
That’s the only way you learn. You can’t presume. There are going to be people with experiences that preceded mine. They’re going to be people with experiences that are different. As the senator for District 24, my obligation will be to represent all of the citizens of District 24. This is not just a campaign. It’s a learning (experience) as well.
What are your ideas for addressing the lack of access to health care and the struggles Delta hospitals are facing?
When you look at our health care issues here in Leflore County and other rural hospitals in the state, our hospital has been reported as number one on the list of hospitals at risk of closure. Our hospitals aren’t in the shape they’re in because people don’t need care.
There was a refusal by our state, and everyone didn’t agree, but a refusal by our state to accept that 90% in federal investment with Medicaid expansion. Funding is critical.
Another issue is making sure the hospital has the services and the professionals there who will give them the appropriate attention to their medical needs. Health care is a right. It’s not just a privilege. It doesn’t matter who you are, what color you are, or where you live. When you’re in crisis, you need to be able to get the care you need. That’s the bottom line.
What are your views and policy ideas on education?
I mentioned the importance of vocational education earlier. I will support fully funding public schools. In this next legislative session, I believe that we have to support our teachers with higher pay.
We have to look at how we’re providing mental health services, particularly inside our schools, because of some of the issues that young people face. We have to give all of our children an education that’s going to prepare them for opportunity. We can’t fail our children. We can’t fail our schools.
What are your views on LGBTQ rights, especially considering the various laws the Legislature has passed in recent years focused on transgender people?
I believe that human rights, or the right for individuals to make lifestyle choices, is their right. We have a responsibility as a government to make sure we address those basic human rights. Individuals have choice. They have freedom of choice. Everyone deserves to be safe.
When you talk about transgender rights, I believe the argument is not around sexual preference, sexual orientation, or gender preference or gender orientation, but the rights. The discussion should be around basic human rights that all individuals deserve.
As the government, there is a place and a responsibility and obligation we have to look at (rights) in that context, rather than the context of making judgments or deciding that we get to place a value on individuals’ personal and private choices.
Many Delta communities deal with high crime rates. What are your ideas for addressing crime?
Our communities should be safe. We need to do what’s necessary to keep them safe. I think if we shore up our Crime Stoppers program, we could maybe enhance the amount that is given for rewards. We may be able to provide individuals with enough to open their mouths and say something.
We have to equip our police officers with training in identifying people with (mental health) characteristics. That could look to the police officer like someone who doesn’t want to obey the commands that are given. Well, that could just be a frightened adult. If we don’t provide training or we don’t support our law enforcement in terms of the tools they need, we also run the risk of not being able to de-escalate crime and criminal activity.
Our children’s first encounter with law enforcement should not be handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser. I believe that our community should make sure we bring back the idea of community policing, so that people can get to know the individuals who are serving them.
What are your thoughts on addressing infrastructure?
It is a responsibility that infrastructure is important in the conversation in terms of state government and what state government can provide. I think we have a golden triangle on this side of the state. If we—Leflore, Panola, and Tallahatchie—get together and decide what are the assets, who has the land, and where’s the workforce, we can position ourselves to put all those pieces together. That’s what I believe when you start talking about infrastructure.
What makes you the ideal candidate for District 24?
My credentials, my experiences, my background and my heart for District 24. When I say heart, I mean my commitment or conviction that says, “There’s work to do. Get up and go do it.” I don’t expect for that work to be easy, but for me, I see Mississippi is in a hard place. When you are a servant, you believe in the power of faith. You believe in the strength of community and its responsibility. I believe that I have a responsibility to this place.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your time of service?
I’m one person, but what I can covenant with District 24 is that I will go to Jackson and represent the interests of our district. I will make sure that in terms of the laws that govern us, you will know that you had a representative at the table who made clear what our needs are and stands for you. That’s what I’m focused on. That’s what distinguishes me as a candidate for the Mississippi State Senate District 24.
Mississippians will vote in the runoffs for Senate districts 24 and 26 on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Any eligible registered voter in those districts who registered to vote in person and had their voter registration application postmarked at least 30 days ahead of the election can cast a ballot in the special runoff election.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact your local circuit clerk or election commissioners for polling place information. Voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID to the polls; if they do not have an accepted form of photo ID, voters can get a free voter ID from their local circuit clerk before Election Day. For more information, visit sos.ms.gov/yall-vote.
