Sarita Simmons facts for kids

Sarita Simmons was born on May 14, 1977. She is an American politician who serves in the Mississippi State Senate. She has represented the 13th district since 2020.

Early Life and Education

Sarita Simmons was born in Cleveland, Mississippi. Her father, Willie Lee Simmons, was also a state senator for the 13th district. He is now a Transportation Commissioner. Her mother was the Circuit Clerk for Bolivar County. She was the first African American to hold that job since the Reconstruction period.

Sarita Simmons went to Cleveland High School. She later graduated from Alcorn State University. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in education and psychology.

Her Career in Politics

Before becoming a senator, Sarita Simmons worked as the general manager for her family's restaurant. It was called The Senator's Place and was located in Cleveland, Mississippi.

When her father decided not to run for re-election, Sarita Simmons chose to run for his seat. The 13th district covers parts of Bolivar, Sunflower, and Tallahatchie counties. She won the Democratic primary election with 42.1% of the votes. Then, she won the general election with 65.1% of the votes. She officially started her job on January 7, 2020.

In the Mississippi Senate, she helps lead the Investigate State Offices Committee. This committee checks how state offices are working. She is also a member of several other important committees. These include committees for Agriculture, money (Appropriations), prisons (Corrections), and the environment. She also works on committees for Drug Policy, Labor, and Ports and Marine Resources.

What She Believes In

Sarita Simmons has worked with other senators on important issues. She teamed up with Senator Walter Michel to create a bill. A bill is a proposed law. Their bill would have allowed grocery stores to sell wine. This bill was supported by both major political parties, but it did not pass.

She also worked with other lawmakers from the Delta region. They created a plan to improve conditions at a large prison in Sunflower County. This prison is located in her district. This plan came about after some lawmakers wanted to cut money for the state's prison system.

Sarita Simmons also voted to change the Mississippi state flag.

Her Personal Life

Sarita Simmons is a member of several groups. She belongs to the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the NAACP. She is also part of the National Council of Negro Women. Additionally, she is on the Bolivar County Democratic Executive Committee. She is a Christian.