10/18/2026
Rankin County voters: don’t overlook our judicial races on the ballot this November!
Voters often focus on the legislative and executive branches while overlooking the judiciary. Judges interpret and apply laws passed by the Legislature, and their rulings can set precedent—making a strong judicial branch essential to a strong government.
Rankin County Chancery Court — Place 1
Candidates:
▪️Bo Agnew
▪️Keri Carroll
▪️Michael Wolfe
Chancery Court handles matters such as family law, divorces, child custody, adoptions, estates, guardianships, and disputes involving land and equity.
20th Circuit Court District — Place 1
Candidates:
▪️Sarah Butler
▪️Scott Gilbert
▪️Carter Smith
Circuit Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction that handles felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits, and appeals from lower courts such as justice and municipal courts.
Election Details:
These races are decided by majority vote. If no candidate receives over 50%, the top two advance to a runoff. Turnout in runoffs often drops significantly, meaning a small number of voters can determine the outcome.
Bottom Line:
Learn the six names. Review their experience, qualifications, courtroom background, temperament, and judicial philosophy.
Judicial candidates should not be the names we skip at the bottom of the ballot.
November 3, 2026, is GO time Rankin County!
