NATCHEZ — Democratic Challenger Shameca S. Collins appears to be the victor over incumbent Ronnie Harper in the race for the Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s office, according to unofficial returns from the four counties comprising the district.

Collins garnered 7,643 votes districtwide, or 52% of the vote, to Harper’s 6,987 votes, or 48% percent of the votes.

Both Collins and Harper ran as Democrats for the office in the sixth judicial district that is comprised of Adams, Amite, Franklin and Wilkinson counties.

No independent or Republican candidates sought election to the seat, so the race is decided by the primary.

All results are unofficial until election officials in each county count absentee and affidavit ballots and certify the election later this week.

“It feels great,” Collins said of the unofficial results. “I feel like all the hard work paid off, walking in 100-degree weather and walking up hills all paid off.”

Collins said she is going to await the official results before considering any transition plan.

“I don’t see the transition happening for another few months,” Collins said, adding she will work out some of the cases and study up on indictments so she can be prepared before taking office.

“Right now I will just enjoy this and have no worries,” Collins said, adding she is grateful for the support she had in the campaign. “Thanks for everything. I look forward to serving the people.”

Harper had served in the Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s office for 24 years and prior to being elected district attorney had served as an assistant DA for seven years.

Collins had most recently served as the Natchez City Prosecutor.

“I have put into practice this single statement: The duty of a prosecutor is not to convict, but to see that justice is done,’” Collins said in making her campaign announcement earlier this year.

Collins also said being tough on crime does not mean destroying people’s lives.

“I believe in being tough on crime, but being tough on crime doesn’t mean that you have to destroy lives,” Collins said. “You can’t let people get away with committing crimes, but you can put programs in place that will reform our young men and women before they become another statistic.”

 

Below is the break down by county of the unofficial results.

* Adams County

Collins: 3,952

Harper: 3,394

 

* Amite County

Collins: 1,251

Harper: 1,830

 

* Franklin County

Collins: 842

Harper: 494

 

* Wilkinson County

Collins: 1,598

Harper: 1,269

 

* Totals:

Collins: 7,643 52%

Harper: 6,987 48%