Mississippi Voters to Elect Appeals Judge November 3

The special election for a Mississippi Court of Appeals seat will take place during the November 3 general election.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a courthouse facade, evoking the institutional gravitas of the Mississippi judicial system. — Mississippi voters will select between John Weddle and Derek Dewayne Hopson Jr. for the state's Court of Appeals seat on November 3. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mississippi voters will decide between John Weddle and Derek Dewayne Hopson Jr. for a seat on the state's Court of Appeals on November 3. The election fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Jim Greenlee earlier in 2024.

Why it matters

The special election ensures the remainder of an eight-year judicial term is completed by an elected official rather than an appointee. Appellate judges play a vital role in reviewing legal arguments and court records from lower jurisdictions.

The district covers 22 counties across north Mississippi and involves a seat with an eight-year term. Governor Tate Reeves previously appointed John Weddle to the court effective October 14, 2024.

The players

John Weddle

He is a judicial candidate who previously served as a district attorney and was appointed to the court by the governor.

Derek Dewayne Hopson Jr.

He is a candidate for the District 1, Position 1 seat on the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

Tate Reeves

He is the Governor of Mississippi who appointed a replacement to the appeals court following a resignation.

Jim Greenlee

He is a former judge whose 2024 resignation created a vacancy on the appellate court.

Donna Barnes

She serves as the Chief Judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals and is seeking an additional term.

The details

Candidates John Weddle and Derek Dewayne Hopson Jr. are vying for District 1, Position 1 on the nonpartisan ballot. While Weddle was appointed to the position by the governor, voters will now cast their ballots to confirm the seat holder for the remainder of the term.

Judge Jim Greenlee resigned in 2024.
Governor Tate Reeves appointed John Weddle on October 14, 2024.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the current appointment system argue that it favors candidates chosen by the executive branch over those selected through the ballot box. Advocacy groups often push for increased transparency in judicial appointments to ensure voter awareness before confirmation elections.

Residents in the 22 counties covered by this district will help select the judge who reviews appeals from their local lower courts. This vote directly influences the makeup of the state judiciary and the interpretation of laws affecting local citizens.

The takeaway

Voters should review the backgrounds and legal experience of the candidates before heading to the polls on November 3. Understanding the nonpartisan nature of this election helps ensure that the chosen judge aligns with the judicial standards expected by the public.