A competitive race has formed for Lowndes County District 2 supervisor.
Clarence Berry, a retired metal and factory worker, has qualified as the second Republican candidate in the race, joining Trip Hairston.
Both are vying to replace two-term supervisor Bill Brigham, who decided not to seek re-election.
Berry, speaking to The Dispatch, said he had “definite things” he wants to do for his district but offered no specifics.
“I know a lot of people here,” he said. “I have plans. I decided to run for this district to fight for something different. There’s a lot I want to do to help everyone in this district.”
Hairston is a medical administrator at Nephrology Associates and owns a consulting firm, Golden Triangle Business Ventures LLC, that primarily helps medical startups. He’s formerly worked as a budget analyst for the Mississippi Legislature and said his father served for eight years as Lowndes County administrator.
“I planned on campaigning whether I have an opponent or not,” Hairston said. “I think it’s important to get out there and meet people and that isn’t going to change.”
In another Lowndes race, incumbent Democrat Joe F. Ables, Jr. has qualified for District 2 constable. Two Republicans, Austin Strickland and Spence Wallingford, are also running for that post.
Qualifying for county and state offices ends March 1.
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