Gov. Tate Reeves has announced the appointment of Judge Richelle Lumpkin as 15th Circuit Court District Judge for Place 3.

This appointment fills a vacancy created by the untimely death of the Honorable Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald IV. McDonald died Jan 1 at Forrest General Hospital at the age of 75. 

“I am proud to appoint Judge Lumpkin to fill this vacancy,” Reeves said.

“She has big shoes to fill, but I know her experience as a county court judge makes her the right person to fill this vacancy. Judge Lumpkin will do a great job on behalf of Mississippians and her community.”

The 15th Circuit Court District  covers Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion and Pearl River Counties.

Lumpkin will preside with Judge Prentiss Harrell and Judge Brad Touchstone.

Lumpkin has served since 2011 as a youth court judge for Pearl River County.

During this time, she sat by designation as the trial judge over hundreds of criminal cases.

Prior to her time as a youth court judge, she served as a youth court master and referee, municipal judge for the City of Picayune, and as the Pearl River prosecuting attorney for 18 years.

Lumpkin earned a J.D. from the Mississippi College School of Law in 1990.

Additionally, she is a 1987 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, earning her degree in political science.

Lumpkin’s term will begin on Feb. 19. 

Reeves will call a special election to be held on Nov. 5.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the four-year term.