Sarita Simmons

Sarita Simmons is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing the 13th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held this position since January 7, 2020. Simmons is notable for being the first Black woman to occupy this Senate seat, which encompasses parts of Bolivar, Sunflower, and Tallahatchie counties. Her background in education and community service informs her legislative priorities and her commitment to addressing issues within her district.

Early life and career

Sarita Simmons was born on May 14, 1977, in Cleveland, Mississippi. She comes from a politically engaged family; her father, Willie Lee Simmons, previously served as a member of the Mississippi Senate representing the same district and is currently the Central District Transportation Commissioner. Her mother, Rosie Simmons, made history as the first African American to serve as the Bolivar County Circuit Clerk since the Reconstruction era. This familial background in public service likely influenced Simmons' own political aspirations.

Simmons completed her secondary education at Cleveland High School, graduating in 1995. She then pursued higher education at Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Psychology in 1999. Following her graduation, she relocated to Georgia, where she worked in the fields of education and behavioral health. During her time in Atlanta, she focused on drug rehabilitation and outreach programs, gaining valuable experience in community service and support systems.

In 2004, Simmons returned to Mississippi to manage her family's soul food restaurant in Cleveland. This role allowed her to engage with her community while also preparing her for a future in public service. Her father's decision not to seek re-election for the 13th district Senate seat opened the door for Simmons to run for the position herself. She successfully won the Democratic primary runoff election with a significant portion of the vote and subsequently secured victory in the general election, officially taking office on January 7, 2020.

Legislative service

Since assuming office, Sarita Simmons has been an active member of the Mississippi State Senate. As of the 2024-2028 session, she serves as the vice-chair of the Investigate State Offices Committee. In addition to this role, she is a member of several other committees, including Agriculture, Appropriations, Corrections, Education, Ethics, Housing, Labor, and Tourism. Her committee assignments reflect a broad range of interests and responsibilities, allowing her to influence various aspects of state policy.

Simmons' election marked a significant milestone in Mississippi's political landscape, as she became the first Black woman to represent the 13th district in the state Senate. Her tenure has been characterized by her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents and advocating for legislative changes that reflect the interests of her district.

In her legislative work, Simmons has collaborated with fellow lawmakers to address pressing issues. Notably, she partnered with Senator Walter Michel to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at permitting wine sales in grocery stores. Although this bill ultimately did not advance out of committee, it demonstrated her willingness to engage in cross-party collaboration on matters of public interest.

Additionally, Simmons has been involved in efforts to improve conditions at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, located within her district. In response to proposed funding cuts to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, she worked alongside several Delta Legislators to develop a multistep plan aimed at reforming the prison system. This initiative highlights her focus on criminal justice reform and her commitment to addressing systemic issues within the state's correctional facilities.

Simmons has also participated in significant legislative decisions, such as voting in favor of changing the Mississippi state flag, a move that reflects her alignment with contemporary social movements and the evolving values of her constituents.

Policy focus and district

Simmons' policy focus encompasses a range of issues pertinent to her district and the state of Mississippi. Her background in education and behavioral health informs her approach to legislative matters, particularly those related to social services and community welfare. By leveraging her experience in education, she advocates for policies that promote access to quality education and support for families in her district.

In addition to her work in education, Simmons has shown a strong commitment to addressing public safety and criminal justice reform. Her involvement in initiatives aimed at improving conditions within the Mississippi State Penitentiary underscores her dedication to addressing the challenges faced by the state's correctional system. By collaborating with other legislators, she seeks to implement reforms that enhance the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff.

Simmons is also actively engaged in community organizations and civic groups, reflecting her commitment to grassroots activism. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Bolivar County Democratic Executive Committee. These affiliations demonstrate her dedication to advocating for the rights and needs of marginalized communities, as well as her commitment to fostering civic engagement among her constituents.

In her personal life, Simmons identifies as Baptist, which may influence her values and approach to public service. Her faith and community involvement play a significant role in shaping her perspectives on various legislative issues.

Overall, Sarita Simmons' career in the Mississippi State Senate is marked by her commitment to public service, her advocacy for her constituents, and her focus on addressing critical issues within her district. As she continues her legislative work, her background and experiences will likely continue to inform her policy priorities and initiatives.