A large crowd gathered at the Smith County Courthouse in Raleigh on Friday, March 5, 2021, for the swearing-in of Matt Sullivan as Circuit Court Judge for the 13th District and Chris Hennis as the District Attorney for the 13th District.

Governor Tate Reeves announced Thursday, March 4, that he had appointed Sullivan to the court.  Sullivan will be filling the vacancy created by the death of Circuit Judge Eddie Bowen, who died form COVID-19 complications in February.

Judge Michael Randolph, Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, administered the oaths of office to both Sullivan and Hennis.

Governor Tate Reeves spoke at the occasion honoring both men for their service to the people of Mississippi.

Sullivan has served as the 13th Circuit Court District Attorney since 2016.  Hennis has been serving as the Assistant District Attorney for the 13th Circuit Court District.

Sullivan is excited to accept this new challenge.  “I welcome this new opportunity to serve the people of the 13th District in a different capacity,” said Sullivan.

The 13th District covers Covington, Jasper, Simpson, and Smith Counties.