JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Optometrist David Parker of Olive Branch and state Rep. Pat Nelson of Southaven are headed to a Nov. 27 runoff in the Mississippi Senate District 19 special election.

The other candidates in Tuesday's special election were medical equipment businessman Kevin Blackwell of Southaven and Mike Smith of Southaven.

The runoff is Nov. 27.

The Senate District 19 seat opened in July when Republican Sen. Merle Flowers of Southaven resigned after 11 years in office, saying he needed to spend more time with his family.

The winner will serve the final three years of a 4-year term.

Special elections are nonpartisan. However, Parker and say they're Republican.

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