Sen. Derrick Simmons (D - Greenville) responds to speculation about higher office

Earlier today, we speculated that Sen. Derrick Simmons (D - Greenville) may be seeking higher office.  He just responded via email:

I enjoy serving the residents of District 12, and am dedicated to serving my people in the post to which they have elected me. 

We have had tremendous successes in the Senate and are anxious to do more for this district. 

As a state senator, I am interested in the district; but, as a Mississippian, I  will and am willing to do what I can at whatever level to improve life in Mississippi.

Sincerely,
Senator Derrick T. Simmons
District 12 

Sen. Derrick Simmons (D - Greenville) eyeing higher office?

Sen. Derrick Simmons (D - Greenville) has been fundraising at a pace not normally seen by incumbents in safe seats (a description all observers would agree applies to him).  He hosted a well-attended fundraiser last month during the Blues Festival, and has another one scheduled next month.  Speculation obviously has arisen that Sen. Simmons is looking ahead to a run for higher office in 2015.  No word as to which seat he may be seeking, be it a Central District seat or statewide.

Sen. Derrick Simmons on Gov. Phil Bryant's misogynist comments

Here is a press release from Sen. Derrick Simmons (D - Greenville). Preach on, brother Derrick:

Subject: For Immediate Release: Senator Derrick T. Simmons Statement

District 12 Mississippi State Senator Derrick T. Simmons 

News Release

June 4, 2013

For Immediate Release

Contact: Senator Derrick T. Simmons: 662-334-1666 or dsimmons@senate.ms.gov

As a state Senator, a native Mississippian and the product of educational institutions where women instructors, administrators and mentors helped to develop me and many others, I feel it is critical to voice support for women and their roles in making many of us who we are.

In light of negative national media attention being given on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to the statement of a fellow elected Mississippi office holder, I can assure everyone that I love my mother, as do the majority of sons and daughters of working women throughout the state love theirs.

I in great part have been successful because my mom, Alzena, has worked for over 30-years for Kroger Foods, where she helped to provide for our family while we learned to the best of our ability in school classrooms most often supervised and led by dedicated and capable women.

I love my wife, CuWanda, and I thank every woman who has ever worked a job and whose tenacity and talents have forced open doors of equality and respect.

It is because of the working women of the world that many of us excelled and continue to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I consider men and women to be equal in the world, the workplace, and in the sight of God.

Sincerely,

DERRICK T. SIMMONS

Mississippi State Senator 

District 12

Derrick Simmons wins race to fill Senate seat

Derrick Simmons, a Democrat, has won the special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Johnnie Walls when Mr. Walls ascended to the Circuit Court bench.  Sen. Simmons practices law with Simmons & Simmons, PLLC in Greenville, MS.  Sen. Simmons is a 1995 graduate of T.L. Weston High in Greenville and a 2000 graduate of Jackson State.  Sen. Simmons also holds a Masters in Business Administration and a J.D. from Howard University.