Ripley Rep. switching parties, could give Republicans super majority in State House

By Bobby Harrison

Daily Journal Jackson Bureau

JACKSON – State Rep. Jody Steverson of Ripley confirmed Thursday morning he is switching parties, possibly giving Republicans the three-fifth super majority they were hoping to obtain in Tuesday’s elections.

As a result of Tuesday’s elections, the Republicans will have either 72 or 73 members in the 122-member chamber.

One election remains too close to call.

House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton on Wednesday urged House Democrats to consider switching “if you share our values.”

Steverson was first elected in 2011 as a Democrat in the Tippah County district. He was re-elected unopposed this year as a Democrat.

Before the election, Gunn traveled to Tippah County to search for a Republican opponent to run against Steverson, but had no success.

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