Jackson-McCray was certified the winner of Nov. 5 elections by 14 votes. However, Republican incumbent Ashley Henley challenged this election outcome and asked the House to either overturn the results or hold a new election. The Speaker Philip Gunn appointed the special committee that heard over two hours of arguments Wednesday night and recommended that Jackson-McCray be elected. Jackson-McCray expressed her confidence that the Republican-dominated House would place her. She stated that she was ready to “get to work for those who sent me down there” after Wednesday’s vote by the committee. The committee makes only a recommendation. The final decision will be made by the House in the next days. Rep. But Rep. Roberson, R.Starkville was the chair of this committee. He said that “more than likely our recommendations will be taken.” The state Constitution grants the Legislature the power to determine election contests involving its members. Since Jan. 7, 2020, Jackson-McCray was elected the House District 40 legislator. The election challenge had been pending. Jackson-McCray was hailed as the first African American woman elected to a majority white legislative district. However, evidence suggests that the demographics in the DeSoto County area might have changed and it is now a majority minority district. DeSoto is a predominantly Republican district. Republican Circuit Clerk Dale Thompson, and Danny Klein, the Chair of the Election Commission, both said there were no significant irregularities in the election. Klein stated to the members of the committee that he believed the voters had won. It was hard fought. Jackson-McCray won 14 votes. Henley challenged several items, including the residency claim of 11 voters who claimed they didn’t live in the district. Henley stated, “Wherever you vote is where your residence.” Thompson stated that all the voters, except one, were registered as District 40 residents. Jackson-McCray stated that the problem with the missing voter is that he may have signed the poll receipt books in a way not consistent with his registration to vote. Jackson attorney Sam Begley represented Jackson-McCray. He said that Henley couldn’t identify enough voters to reverse the results. Henley, who was running for her second term as DeSoto County representative, represented herself at the hearing. She also challenged absentee ballots, as well as the quality or lack thereof on an electronic voter list. The state law requires that voters sign a physical copy of the voter book. Klein stated that DeSoto County also requires voters to sign an electronic voter book. However, some poll workers may not be required to do this additional step. Begley stated that Klein claimed the number cast of ballots was equal to the number signed the physical voter receipt books. Klein stated to the committee that this was not their first rodeo. The committee is made up of four Republicans, one Democrat.