Juan Barnett is a Democratic Mississippi State Senator representing District 34 since 2016. Born in Heidelberg, Mississippi, he served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War and became the first Black mayor of Heidelberg, holding that office from 2001 to 2016. Notable achievements include chairing the Senate Corrections Committee, advocating for criminal justice reform through parole system changes, early release expansions, employment for incarcerated individuals, and efforts to close the Mississippi State Penitentiary; he also voted to change the state flag and serves on the Mississippi-Israel Legislative Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from the University of West Alabama after military service; previously worked in the telecommunications industry.
• Political Experience: Elected mayor of Heidelberg in 2001 and vice president of the Mississippi Municipal League; elected to the Senate in 2015 after the incumbent's retirement, winning a runoff with 63% of the vote; ran uncontested in the 2025 special election due to redistricting.