Trump’s strong showing would suggest that the Hancock County district, on the Gulf Coast, is one of the most Republican House districts in the state. It is still occupied by David Baria, Bay St. Louis’ House Democratic leader. Baria has maintained strong Democratic stances despite Trump’s strong showing. Baria has advocated for the expansion of Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in order to provide coverage for the majority of the working poor. Baria voted against a 2016 proposal that was controversial and received national attention. It expanded the rights of both governmental employees as well as private businesses not to provide services for identical sex couples. Baria stated that he has represented a district thought to be very Republican for 11 years. “I have tried to always analyze every bill on its merits, and vote for or against based upon what I believe is best for Mississippians. “I explain my vote to my constituents, and even if I disagree, they appreciate my communication with em.” Baria has been critical of Trump as he tries to win the Democratic primary to face incumbent U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (a Tupelo Republican) in the November general elections. Baria stated that he has been critical of Trump and will continue to be so long as he degrades the presidency, alienates allies, and supports racists. In the June 26 runoff, Howard Sherman, an entrepreneur, husband of Sela Ward (a Meridian native and Emmy-winning actress), will face Baria. Sherman won the first primary with a narrow margin of just 900 votes but failed to win the majority vote necessary to avoid a second round. Sherman makes it clear that he is a novice politician, but Baria is the exact opposite. Baria is currently in his third term as a Mississippi legislator. He was previously in the Senate, but opted to run for the open House seat in 2011. Since the beginning, he has consistently voted for the Democratic minorities in the Legislature. He votes in favor of full funding the state’s unfunded school funding formula. He opposed the most significant tax cut in state history, which was passed in 2016 to lower taxes on corporations as well as on personal income. Like many Democrats, he felt it would have too much impact on state revenues. Baria voted for the Republican majority’s tax cuts in recent years, as did most Democrats. Baria didn’t vote for legislation banning abortions in the state during the 2018 session. This was after 15 weeks. Baria claimed he didn’t vote on the bill as he was away from the chamber to work on his U.S. Senate race. Baria claimed that his deskmate, Rep. Steve Holland (D-Plantersville), voted for him while he was away from the chamber. This is a common practice in the House. However, Holland didn’t know Baria’s position on the controversial bill and he didn’t vote him. Baria stated that his position on abortion was that it should be legalized and made safe for all women. “I don’t object to a reasonable limitation on late-term abortions, however, there should be exceptions in the health of mother and foetus and in cases where rape and incest are involved.” Baria consistently receives low marks from the Business and Industry Political Education Committee. This is a group that promotes their agenda and school choice groups. The Mississippi Human Services Coalition, which is an alliance of social service providers as well as activists, has given him strong marks. Baria, a trial lawyer, has opposed many bills that would limit civil lawsuits. He also opposed multiple attempts to restrict the attorney general’s authority to file civil suits. Baria ran for political office in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s destruction on the Gulf Coast. He has advocated for reforms to the insurance industry to ensure that policyholders are protected. Baria also called for gender pay equity, and for an increase to the minimum wage. He said that he would push for these changes if elected to U.S. Senate. Although there have been no votes in recent years about the state flag or proposed changes to remove the Confederate battle symbol from its design, Baria wrote letters to the editor to Mississippi newspapers in support of changing the flag in 2017. Baria stated that he supports the 2nd Amendment. However, he voted against a 2018 session proposal that would have allowed holders of enhanced carry permits to own guns at sporting events. The legislation was opposed by the state’s universities and the Southeastern Conference. Baria has a long history in politics, as well as being a trial lawyer. He was the former president of the state association. The Bay St. Louis Democrat has also started or been involved with multiple businesses. Baria stated that these other businesses include a restaurant, coffee house, demolition company, and security company. After Hurricane Katrina, Baria stopped practicing law to form a cleanup company which eventually became a demolition business. Trustmark National Bank sued him in the early 2000s. They claimed that he had defaulted on a loan for Jackson’s planned restaurant/brewpub. Countersuit was filed by Baria claiming that the bank obtained an appraisal of the land that was significantly lower than the original appraisal he had received. Baria stated that he believed the land’s value would exceed the loan amount. Baria stated that the matter was resolved out of court. Baria also founded Darden Music, a music production company named after his son. Baria stated, “I have always loved live music and wanted to promote it in my local area.” “… The company promotes concerts occasionally and sometimes makes a profit. “…The company occasionally promotes concerts and sometimes breaks even on them.” See more of our election coverage.