Joseph C. Thomas, Sr. is a Democratic member of the Mississippi State Senate representing District 22. Born on June 25, 1949, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, he resides there with his spouse Elizabeth and three children: Joseph Jr., Kirk, and Whitney. A Baptist, Thomas has a background in banking and public service, previously serving in Senate District 21 from 2004 to 2008 and returning to District 22 in 2020 after winning a competitive race in a redrawn district following a federal court ruling on racial gerrymandering.

Notable achievements and positions include his narrow 2020 victory over a Republican incumbent , support for Joe Biden in the Democratic primary, and voting to change the Mississippi state flag in 2020. He serves on committees such as Finance, Insurance, Judiciary Division B, Ethics, and Drug Policy, and is Vice Chair of the Interstate and Federal Cooperation Committee. Thomas advocates for job creation, the elderly, and public schools, with prior leadership as Board Chair of the Public Service Commission of Yazoo City and Vice President at Regions Bank .

Education and Political Experience

• Education: BS in Business Administration, Jackson State University; Banking, Mississippi School of Banking .
• Political Experience:
  • Mississippi State Senator, District 22 ; District 21 .
  • Candidate for District 22 .
  • Key role as plaintiff in federal racial gerrymandering case leading to district redraw.
  • Former roles: Chair, Yazoo City Public Schools; Vice Chair, Mississippi Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board .