Judicial Candidate Filing Window Opens for Lafayette County Races

The Lafayette County courthouse today opened the qualifying period for multiple judicial offices ahead of the 2026 elections. Seats on the Court of Appeals, Chancery Court, Circuit Court and County Court are included in the filing window, and prospective candidates are reminded that the qualifying deadline is 5 p.m. on Feb. 2. The notice directs applicants to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Candidate Qualifying Guide for complete legal qualifications, required documentation and filing procedures, and to the official 2026 elections calendar for important dates.

Judicial offices up for qualifying play distinct roles in local governance. Chancery courts typically handle family law, probate and equity matters that affect many residents’ daily lives; circuit courts preside over felony criminal cases and major civil disputes; county courts oversee certain civil and misdemeanor dockets; and the Court of Appeals addresses matters on the appellate docket that can set precedent and influence how laws are applied across the state. Who runs for these posts and who ultimately serves will shape how justice is administered in Lafayette County and beyond.

The Secretary of State’s Candidate Qualifying Guide contains the statutory qualifications candidates must meet, details on filing fees or petitions where applicable, and instructions on how and where to submit qualifying paperwork. The official 2026 elections calendar lists deadlines and election dates that candidates and voters should monitor. Prospective candidates should consult those official resources promptly to ensure timely compliance with filing requirements.

For residents, the open qualifying period is an opportunity to follow who seeks judicial office and to assess candidates’ qualifications before ballots are finalized. Judicial elections influence decisions on property, family matters, criminal justice and broader civil rights—areas that touch households, businesses and community institutions. Transparent, well-publicized qualifying timelines help preserve public confidence in the electoral and judicial systems.

The courthouse announcement serves as a practical reminder that the candidate window is limited and that legal and procedural steps must be completed before the Feb. 2 deadline. Residents interested in the composition of the local bench, or in running themselves, should consult the Secretary of State’s Candidate Qualifying Guide and the official 2026 elections calendar without delay.