Johnson suggested that some legislative Democrats may have been reluctant to fully participate in the June 5 primary for Baria, because Omeria Scott (a fellow member) was also running. Johnson stated that the choice was clear with Baria facing Howard Sherman, the husband of Sela Ward, a Mississippi-born actress and entrepreneur. Johnson was joined by 12 of his colleagues. Johnson stated that David Baria was not a “comfortable Democrat” but that he is a legislator who has been a strong Democrat at the Legislature despite being in one of the most Republican areas in the state. Baria met Monday with 15 legislator Democrats in Jackson to discuss efforts to get out the vote for the June 26 runoff. Baria stated that the decision was made so that each legislator could decide in their own district the best way to get Baria’s voters to the polls. Baria stated that 41 of the 67 Mississippi Democrats who are members of the Mississippi Legislature had endorsed him. After Friday’s surprise endorsement by Scott in Laurel, Sherman was endorsed at the Baria event. Johnson described the race as “a California Republican and a Mississippi Democrat”. Sherman and Ward were active in her hometown, Meridian. However, records show Sherman voted for the first-time in Mississippi in the primary on June 5. He was a Republican who had voted in California’s recent election and donated $5,000 to Republican Senator Roger Wicker. Sherman said that he donated to other Republicans in the past, but Sherman stated that his political views aligned him with Mississippi Democrats. Sherman spoke to Mississippi Today about the primary election night. “What I learned over the past three weeks was that when you promote a program and people haven’t had a chance of meeting you, because I come here with a very diverse background, it’s important to continue doing that.” In the next three weeks, we will put a person to these ideas. “The goal is to continue having people meet me and give people that 1 degree of separation.” Wicker will be facing the winner of the Baria/Sherman runoff in November’s general election. Baria is a third-term state legislator and the minority leader of the Mississippi House. Party insiders are familiar with him. Baria, like many Mississippi Democrats has had difficulty raising money for the uphill fight against Wicker in November. According to the Federal Election Commission’s latest filings, Sherman has raised approximately $300,000. Baria has also raised $650,000, which he loaned to his campaign. Sherman received 800 more votes than Baria in the June 5 primary but didn’t win the majority required to avoid the second round. Baria stated Monday’s meeting was held to discuss ways to stop the drop in voter participation, which is a common occurrence in runoff elections. The primary saw 88,000 votes. Anyone who voted in primary or in the June 5 Republican primary is eligible to run for the second round.