The Associated Press

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

Davis, of Fayette, resigned Dec. 8 after Gov. Haley Barbour appointed him to a chancery court judgeship. Two years remain 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 runoff will be March 9.

The candidates ran without party affiliation.