JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The winner of the House District 79 seat will be decided soon.

Representative Blaine “Bo” Eaton released the following statement:The representation of the good people of Smith and Jasper Counties at our State Capitol is still to be determined because the November 4 election resulted in a tie vote between my opponent and me.The winner of the election for House District 79 will be decided by drawing straws on Friday, November 20, at 1:30 p.m. at the Governor’s Office Conference Room in the Sillers Building on High Street in Jackson. Although it is an old-fashioned way of determining a winner, this is how the law requires it to be done. Whatever the outcome of the procedure, I will abide by the result and not challenge the election.  I hope my opponent will agree to do the same thing.

I have served District 79 in the State House  of Representatives since 1996. During that time, I have strived to conduct myself in a way that reflects the good, solid values of my relatives, friends and neighbors in the district. If it happens that I am not able to return to Jackson after Friday’s drawing , it only means that I will be closer to home and still able to help the people of my area in any way I can. That’s what I’ve always done, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.  And I will wish my opponent well.

The final vote count for both Republican candidate Mark Tullos and Representative Blaine “Bo” Eaton candidates was 4, 589.