JACKSON (AP) — Unofficial returns show Albert Butler of Port Gibson and Jimmy D. Strong of Utica are headed for a run-off election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Democrat Vincent Davis.

Davis, of Fayette, resigned Dec. 8 after Gov. Haley Barbour appointed him a chancery court judge. There are two years remaining in the current term of the office.

Seven candidates qualified to run for the seat in a district that includes Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds and Jefferson counties. The run-off will be March 9.