Mississippi Choctaws elect Phyllis Anderson as chief once again


Official election results from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Image from Facebook

A do-over election for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians didn't change the outcome of the first one -- Chief Phyllis Anderson once again beat challenger Beasley Denson for the tribe's top post.

Anderson, who is the first woman to lead the tribe, defeated Beasley Denson, a former chief, in the June 30 election. The results weren't close but the council decided to call another vote anyway.


Phyllis J. Anderson was sworn into office on July 14, 2015, only to see the tribal council call another election. Photo from Facebook

Anderson emerged victorious a second time on August 25. She had 1,996 votes to Denson's 1,628.

In 2011, Anderson defeated Denson not just once but twice after the council ordered a new election. Denson served one term as chief before Anderson ousted him that year.

Get the Story:
Anderson wins second term as Choctaw chief (AP 8/27)
Chief Anderson wins second term with 55% of votes (The Neshoba Democrat 8/26)

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