Legislative races in Southwest Mississippihave resulted in two representatives’ re-elections and thewelcoming of a new face to represent District 39 as statesenator.

    Republican Sally Doty defeated Democrat W. L. Rayborn in the SenateDistrict 39 race to replace Cindy Hyde-Smith, who will become thestate’s new commissioner of agriculture.

    “We can breathe easy now,” Doty said Tuesday night after a majorityof counted votes pointed to her victory.

    Doty ran a tight race with Rayborn, a previous state senator. InLincoln County, Doty garnered 58 percent, or 7,273 votes, toRayborn’s 41.54 percent, or 5,178 votes, according to unofficialresults including absentee ballots.

    In Lawrence County, the race was even closer with Doty coming awaywith 53.42 percent, or 2,994 votes, to Rayborn’s 46.58 percent, or2,611 votes, according to unofficial results.

    According to Simpson County’s unofficial results, Doty grabbed65.44 percent, or 1,736 votes, to Rayborn’s 34.56 percent, or 917votes.

    “I’m exhausted right now, but looking forward to the job,” Dotysaid. “It’s going to be a difficult job, but that’s what I’m in itfor.”

    Doty said meeting people throughout the district, which includesLincoln, Lawrence and Simpson counties, opened her eyes to all thegreat people she will be serving.

    “It’s been a real journey, literally from one end of the districtto the other,” Doty said of her campaign. “From the homes, to thecountry stores, to the festivals I’ve met so many hard-working,good people. I’m just honored with the trust they’ve put inme.”

    In the race for House Representative District 92, Republicanincumbent Becky Currie defeated Democrat Ken Dale Sullivan by awide margin to win a second term.

    According to unofficial district-wide results, Currie received 70percent, or 6,356 votes, and Sullivan received 30 percent, or 2,697votes.

    “I just want to thank District 92 for the opportunity to againrepresent them in the House,” she said after declaring victoryTuesday night. “It was a hard race, a good race, and weaccomplished what we set out to do.”

    Currie said truth throughout her previous term and the campaignplayed a major role in her victory in the general election.

    “I’ve just tried to be truthful to the voters,” she said. “Tellingthe truth is what we’ve been about, and I look forward to doingthat for the next four years.”

    She continued about the job at hand as representative.

    “There’s a lot of work ahead of us,” she said. “There’s a lot ofexciting times ahead, too. I’m proud to be representing thedistrict again, and I’m eager to work hard to continue to make thisthe great place it already is to live.”

    Democrat Rep. Bob Evans was elected to a second term in District91, which includes parts of Copiah, Lawrence, Covington, JeffersonDavis and Simpson counties.

    According to unofficial district-wide results, Evans garnered 65percent, or 5,330 votes, to Cindy Shivers Bryan’s 35 percent, or2,912 votes.

    “I’m thrilled and gratified for the overwhelming vote,” Evans saidlate Tuesday night. “It gives me faith that my constituents thinkI’m doing a good job. I appreciate everybody who helped and gave memoral and political support.”