JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- A special election will take place in January to fill the seat of state Senator Bennie Turner of West Point.
Governor Phil Bryant issued on order Thursday setting the election on January 15, 2013 for Senate District 16.
The district spans covers parts of Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties.
The qualifying deadline is December 17.
Gov. Bryant says setting the election in January means the residents of the district will be represented as soon as possible in the 2013 legislative session.
If necessary, a runoff will be held on February 5.