Two longtime Democratic Gulf Coast lawmakers were defeated Tuesday as the Republican Party made a push
to take control of the Mississippi House.

Reps. Diane Peranich, a 24-year veteran, and 16-year incumbent Dirk Dedeaux lost to Republican challengers.

In North Mississippi, Democratic incumbents Mark DuVall of
Mantachie, and Jimmy Puckett of Amory lost, and Republican William Tracy Arnold of Booneville won the District 3 seat currently held by Democratic Speaker Billy McCoy of Rienzi.

In Hinds County, Republican Rep. Jim Ellington, who had been in the House for 24 years, was defeated by Democratic challenger Brad Oberhausen.

There were another half a dozen incumbent lawmakers losing or in races too close to call.

It is possible that Republicans could win the first majority ever in the Mississippi House of Representatives since Reconstruction.