Some good news out of Mississippi for a change. On Tuesday, Rodney Hall, a first-time candidate for State House District 20 (Desoto County), won his race by 10 points. Hall is a Mississippi rarity: A Black Republican. He is also the first Black Republican to be elected to the Mississippi State House since Reconstruction—over 146 years.

Rodney Hall, a first-time candidate, defeated Charlie Hoots by 10 points to secure the Republican nomination. With no Democratic challengers ahead of the Nov. 7 general election, Hall will become the first Black Republican in the House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

“Your unwavering support has brought us this incredible victory. To all the voters who believed in our vision and cast their ballots, you have my deepest gratitude,” Hall wrote on Facebook after the race was called. “I want to extend a kind word to my opponent. Running for office is never an easy task, and I appreciate their dedication to our community.”

Hall, who will represent a portion of DeSoto County in the House, said he is committed to working for the voters that put him in office.

His pedigree is impressive, ala Rep. John James of Michigan. Hall was a cadet at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. He exhibited his leadership prowess early as a Cadet Brigade Commander. Hall enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard at 17 as a military intelligence code linguist, and also became a U.S. Army Paratrooper. Hall was twice deployed to Afghanistan and Syria, even turning down a position in the Trump administration in order to serve with his men in Syria. Hall still serves in the Army Reserves as an infantry officer.

Hall came up through the ranks as the Legislative Director for Mississippi Congressman Trent Kelly for three years. He received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi in 2019, and has worked as a prosecutor.

Hall effusively thanked his supporters ahead of the election and reaffirmed his commitment to the community.

When the race was called, Hall took to his Facebook page again to thank his supporters.

From an interview nine months ago, it is clear Hall has larger goals, and apparently, the national Republican Party plans to capitalize on this. If nothing else, Hall will be a fresh voice within the Republican supermajority in Mississippi.