Independent candidate Daryl McKines Jr. talks campaign for District 34 seat

Daryl A. McKines Jr., an independent candidate running for Mississippi Senate District 34 , is inexperienced when it comes to serving in public office, but that doesn't sway the confidence he has in his campaign.

McKines, 32, is one of six candidates who qualified to run in the special election for the vacant Senate District 34 seat. The Laurel High School graduate was the first candidate to enter the race.

Gov. Tate Reeves set the special election after former state Sen. Juan Barnett, who previously represented District 34, retired on Aug. 31. The election is set to take place on Dec. 22.

"I've decided to put my hat in the ring to become the next senator for District 34 in the Mississippi State Senate," McKines told the Hattiesburg American during a one-on-one interview on Oct. 15. "I want to focus on bringing a fresh look to leadership, innovate and motivate our younger generations. ... I'm not looking to reinvent the wheel. I want to build upon the progress that was made before me, but also bring a fresh look to solve of the state's issues."

McKines said he identifies as an independent rather a Democrat or Republican. His policies are split between the traditional party lines, which he believes makes him a unique choice for voters in the upcoming special election.

"I don't think anyone has ever seen a candidate like me," McKines said. "Being an independent means that I can caucus with Democratic Party or I can caucus with the Republican Party. It means that I can believe in the Second Amendment 100%, but it also means I think everyone should have access to affordable health care."

Alongside McKines on the special election ballot for District 34 will be state Sen. Johnny DuPree, Kenneth Keyes, Tiffany Anne Lindsey, Bruce D. Pilgrim and Nellie "Cookie" Satcher. This is McKines Jr.'s first campaign for public office.

"I'm going up against some very experienced candidates," McKines Jr. said. "I don't have anything negative to say. I respect them and their careers, but I just want to say I believe I am the most dedicated and I will do my best to represent the people equally and fairly."

Following are three ideas McKines Jr. emphasized in his conversation with the Hattiesburg American.

Restore ballot initiative

A ballot initiative allows voters to put proposed laws on ballots using voter citizen signatures. It was first established in Mississippi in 1914, but the state Supreme Court threw it out in 1922. In 1992 it was restored and active for 29 years before it was nullified in 2021.

"The ballot initiative is probably, in my opinion, one of the closest processes to what the founding fathers envisioned when establishing this nation," McKines said. "Whatever issue (citizens) think is pertinent, they could have that issue brought forth and have people vote on that issue."

McKines Jr. is prioritizing giving a voice back the everyday voter and believes it is best when more people are involved in the legislative process.

Allocate funds to after-school programs

In speaking with parents throughout District 34, McKines said the one issue that came up frequently was the lack of quality after-school activities in the area.

"Parents feel like after school is over, there is nothing to do," McKines Jr. said.

In an effort to fix this, McKines said that he wants funds allocated to local school districts across District 34. He wants to prioritize community organizations, religious organizations and municipal governments and stated that the Senate should allocate funds to go to county supervisors or groups that apply for grants.

"There are multiple ways that we can get that done," McKines said. "But our children need to be able to have constructive social programs that will invest into their futures. That's the first thing I'd like to see done across the district."

Strengthen community awareness

McKines pointed to a lack of overall community awareness, public information and access to learning resources throughout the state. To help remedy this, he wants to introduce free financial literary courses on Mondays for anybody in District 34.

"We can do that virtually," McKines Jr. said. "You sign up on the webcast and the webcast will be two times on Monday: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m."

He wants to make the classes available for individuals who work at night or during the day.

"We have to really, really focus on making sure that everyone feels like they are a part of the process."

Davis Wilson covers Southern Miss athletics and Hattiesburg news for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at DWilson@hattiesb.gannett.com or find him on X at @Davis_Wilson.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Independent candidate Daryl McKines Jr. talks campaign for District 34 seat