Jenifer Branning | |
|---|---|
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| Justice of theSupreme Court of Mississippi | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | James W. Kitchens |
| Member of theMississippi State Senate from the 18th district | |
| In office January 5, 2016 – January 6, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Giles Ward |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jenifer Ann Burrage (1979-03-13)March 13, 1979 (age 46) Neshoba County, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Chancy Branning |
| Relatives | Olen Lovell Burrage (grandfather) |
| Education | Mississippi State University (BA) Mississippi College (JD) |
Jenifer Ann Burrage Branning (born March 13, 1979) is an American lawyer and politician who has served as an associate justice of theSupreme Court of Mississippi since January 2025. She had been aRepublican member of theMississippi State Senate from January 2016 to January 2025, representing the 18th district.
Branning was born on March 13, 1979, inNeshoba County, Mississippi. Her family has deep roots in Neshoba County, with a history spanning five generations.[1] Her grandfather —Olen Lovell Burrage — owned the farm where the bodies of murdered civil rights activistsJames Chaney,Andrew Goodman, andMichael Schwerner were found buried in a dam in 1964.[2][3] Burrage, a member of theKu Klux Klan, was implicated in the cover-up of themurders but was acquitted in 1967 by anall-white jury, using the defence that he was not present at the farm on the night of the murders.[4][5]
Branning graduated fromMississippi State University, where she earned aBachelor of Arts degree.[6] She went on to pursue legal studies and obtained a Juris Doctor degree from theMississippi College School of Law in 2004.[6]
Branning began her professional career as a lawyer inPhiladelphia, Mississippi, where she established herself in legal practice.[1] In 2015, she entered the political arena by running for the Mississippi State Senate seat previously held byGiles Ward, who chose not to seek re-election.[1] Branning won the election and was sworn into office on January 5, 2016. She represents the 18th District, which includes parts ofLeake,Neshoba, andWinston counties.[6]
In February 2024, Branning announced her candidacy for a seat on theMississippi Supreme Court.[7] She advanced to a runoff against incumbent JusticeJim Kitchens.[8] On December 6, 2024, it was announced that Branning won the runoff to unseat Kitchens.[9] Branning was sworn into office on January 6, 2025.[10]
Branning is married to Chancy Branning, and they reside in Philadelphia, Mississippi. They are of theChristian faith.[6]
| Legal offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Justice of theMississippi Supreme Court 2025–present | Incumbent |
Statewide political officials ofMississippi | ||
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