Sarita Simmons

Sarita Simmons was born on May 14, 1977, in Cleveland, Mississippi. She is a member of the Democratic Party and has represented Mississippi State Senate District 13 since 2020. The district encompasses parts of Bolivar, Sunflower, and Tallahatchie counties.

Simmons comes from a politically engaged family. Her mother, Rosie Simmons, made history as the first African American Circuit Clerk in Bolivar County since Reconstruction.

Political Experience

Before entering electoral politics, Simmons worked as a general manager for her family's restaurant, The Senator's Place, located in Cleveland, Mississippi. She decided to run for the State Senate seat after her father chose not to seek re-election in the 13th district.

In the 2019 election cycle, Simmons received 42.1% of the vote in the Democratic primary and won the general election with 65.1% of the votes. She officially took office on January 7, 2020.

Notable Positions and Achievements

As a state senator, Simmons holds several significant committee roles. She serves as vice-chair of the Investigate State Offices Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Appropriations, Corrections, Drug Policy, Environment Protection and Conservation, Water Resources, Labor, Ports and Marine Resources, and State Library committees.

Notably, Simmons collaborated with other lawmakers from the Delta region to develop a plan for improving conditions at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Sunflower County, located within her district. She also voted in favor of changing the Mississippi state flag, a significant decision for the state.