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Press release from the Committee to Re-elect Judge Barnes
The Committee to Re-elect Judge Vicki Roach Barnes has issued a statement addressing her recent passing and urging voters in Issaquena, Sharkey, and Warren Counties to support her candidacy in the upcoming election on November 3rd.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — In a release to the media, the Committee to Re-elect Judge Barnes has issued the following statement:
To: The family of Judge Vicki Roach Barnes and the citizens of Issaquena, Sharkey and Warren Counties Mississippi From: The Committee to Re-Elect Judge Vicki Roach Barnes 9 th District Chancery Judge. Since the sudden and unexpected death of Judge Barnes, our committee has been inundated with questions about the election. In response, we would like to share our thoughts with you. It is with heartfelt gratitude and humility that we ask you to affirm our decision to continue the job we were chosen by Judge Barnes to accomplish – her re-election. We reached this conclusion only after much prayer and discussion.
Judge Barnes’ name remains on the ballot, and she can still receive votes. A vote for Judge Barnes will facilitate two things. First, it will reflect the confidence shown in her by the citizens of the 9 th District and solidify her legacy of commitment and service to all of us. As the longest serving Chancery Judge in the State of Mississippi, Judge Barnes’ 31 years of dedicated and honorable service to the 9 th District was reflected in her work and the position which she held.
In the event that she wins the election an administrative order, issued by Judge Bennie L. Richard, will ensure that the duties of the Chancery Judge for Issaquena, Sharkey and Warren counties continue without disruption.
Secondly, a win by Judge Barnes will set in motion a call for a new special election. According to Mississippi law, the Governor of Mississippi can call this special election and, therefore, provide for an open qualification process for those wishing to seek the office of Chancery Judge. Likewise, voters will then have an opportunity to meet each qualified candidate and determine which one is their best choice for this important position in our Judiciary.
In addition, the newly elected Chancery Judge can enter this office with confidence knowing the position was earned through the voice of the people rather than through default. Our hope is that the voters of the 9 th Chancery District will take these facts into consideration and make every effort to vote in this important election on November 3 rd .
Respectfully submitted
Dorwin Shields
Chairman of The Committee to Re-Elect Judge Vicki Roach Barnes
Committeetoelectjb2026@gmail.com
Cheryl Montgomery
Media contact for The Committee to Re-elect Judge Vicki Roach Barnes
