By Billy Davis
Hernando attorney Gerald Chatham Sr., presently in a November 23 runoff for circuit judge, has been endorsed by a former opponent.

David Burns, a Water Valley attorney, announced last week he was endorsing Chatham in the runoff for the newly created “Place Four” seat.

Chatham is seeking the 17th District seat along with attorney Stan Little, also of Hernando.

Burns, in a Panolian ad that published last week, said Chatham is the “most qualified,” noting that Chatham had served 12 years as district attorney.  

“I know Gerald is honest, has high integrity and is a strong Christian,” Burns stated in the endorsement.

In the November 2 General Election, Chatham finished first in the three-way race, winning 41 percent of approximately 52,900 votes that were cast in five counties, including Panola.

Little finished second with 36 percent and Burns garnered 23 percent.

Chatham carried Desoto and Tate counties in the General Election. Little carried Panola and Tallahatchie, and Burns carried Yalobusha County.

Little led the Panola County vote with 4,510 followed by Chatham with 3,537.

The Panola County ballot will be slim next week, offering the Place Four runoff and the run-off race for Panola County sheriff.

Interim sheriff Otis Griffin is competing against Dennis Darby, who retired from the Mississippi Highway Patrol to seek the seat.