Brice Wiggins

Christopher "Brice" Wiggins is an American attorney and politician currently serving as a Republican member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 52. This district includes the cities of Pascagoula and Ocean Springs, located in southern Jackson County. Wiggins has been involved in legislative activities since 2012 and has played a significant role in various committees and policy initiatives during his tenure.

Early life and career

Brice Wiggins was born on August 8, 1971, in Irving, Texas. He comes from a family with a notable background in public service and medicine; his father, Dr. Chris Wiggins, is an orthopedic surgeon who served as the Legislative Doctor of the Day at the Mississippi State Capitol in 2014. Wiggins is also the great-grandson of Ed Wiggins, who served as the mayor of Pascagoula during the 1950s, linking him to the local political landscape.

Wiggins completed his early education at Pascagoula High School, where he graduated with distinction in 1989. During his senior year, he held the position of drum major in the high school band, showcasing his leadership abilities from a young age. He pursued higher education at Tulane University, earning a degree in history in 1993. Following his undergraduate studies, Wiggins attended the Mississippi College School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1998. While in law school, he was actively involved in student governance, serving as a senator in the law student bar association and participating in the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. He also contributed to community service as a court-appointed special advocate.

Wiggins began his professional career as an attorney. He served as an Assistant District Attorney in Jackson County, Mississippi, for seven years, gaining valuable experience in the legal system before transitioning to his role as a state senator in 2012. Prior to his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, he worked as a youth court prosecutor, further solidifying his commitment to public service and the legal profession. From 2011 to 2021, he managed his own law firm before becoming a partner at Taggart, Rimes & Wiggins, PLLC, in Pascagoula, where he continued to practice law until late 2024.

Legislative service

Brice Wiggins has been a member of the Mississippi State Senate since 2012, representing District 52. His legislative career began with a focus on criminal justice reform, as evidenced by his early proposal to prevent early release for individuals convicted of manslaughter. After completing his first term, he ran unopposed in the subsequent election cycle in 2015, indicating a strong support base within his district.

Wiggins has held several significant positions within the Senate. He was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves as the Chairman of the first-ever Senate Medicaid Committee, a role that involves overseeing one of the state's largest budgetary items. In addition to this position, he serves on various committees, including Appropriations and Education, and holds the title of Vice-Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee, one of the largest committees in the Senate. Notably, during his freshman term, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Ports and Marine Resources Committee, a rare achievement for a new legislator.

Throughout his legislative career, Wiggins has authored and supported numerous pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening Mississippi's laws and improving public welfare. He played a key role in the passage of the "Lonnie Smith Act," which enhanced the state's child abuse laws, and "Katie’s Law," which facilitates DNA collection following arrests for violent felonies. He has also advocated for increased GPS monitoring of sex offenders and secured additional funding for the prosecution of child abuse cases. His involvement in the 2013 Criminal Justice Reform Act has been particularly noteworthy, as it aimed to strengthen laws against violent offenders and is projected to save Mississippi taxpayers significant amounts in correction costs.

Wiggins has been a leading advocate for early childhood education in Mississippi. He was the primary author of the 2013 Early Learning Collaborative Act, which established the state's first early education program. This initiative has expanded to include multiple locations across Mississippi, significantly improving the state's early childhood education landscape. Additionally, as Chairman of the Ports and Marine Resources Committee, he successfully secured $10 million for the expansion of the Port of Pascagoula.

In response to issues of accountability within the Department of Marine Resources, Wiggins authored the DMR Accountability and Transparency Act, aimed at enhancing transparency and good governance practices. He has also worked on legislation to improve the transparency of community hospitals in the state, ensuring that their activities and documents are accessible to the public. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Judiciary A Committee, overseeing various legal matters within the state, and previously held the position of Chairman of Judiciary B, focusing on criminal law and justice reform.

Policy focus and district

Brice Wiggins has established himself as a prominent figure in Mississippi politics, with a policy focus that encompasses education, government transparency, criminal justice reform, and appropriations. His advocacy for education reform includes a strong emphasis on early childhood education, which he believes is crucial for the development of children in Mississippi. He has been a vocal proponent of balancing the state budget and cutting taxes, aiming to create a more sustainable economic environment for residents.

In the aftermath of the BP Oil Spill, Wiggins worked diligently to ensure that both federal and state funds were allocated to the Gulf Coast region. He served as a lead negotiator and appropriator for the law that established the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, which directs substantial financial resources to the area. His ongoing involvement in the Governor’s Gulf Coast Advisory Committee for RESTORE Act funds highlights his commitment to the economic recovery and resiliency of the region.

Wiggins's political positions also reflect a broader commitment to various issues, including supporting law enforcement, promoting transparency in government, and advocating for impactful criminal justice reform. He has expressed strong views on environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, as well as a commitment to election reform and protecting the rights of the unborn. His stances on foreign policy and veterans' issues further illustrate his comprehensive approach to governance.

In his personal life, Wiggins is married and has two children. The family resides in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where they are active members of the community. Wiggins identifies as Methodist, reflecting his engagement with local religious and community organizations. His background, professional experience, and legislative achievements position him as a significant figure in Mississippi's political landscape, with ongoing influence in shaping the state's policies and governance.