Charlie Ross

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For the former White House Press Secretary, see Charles Griffith Ross.
Sen. Charlie Ross
Sen. Charlie Ross

Charlie Ross is an American politician and attorney who lives in Brandon, Mississippi. He served as Senator from District 20 in the Mississippi Senate until 2007. District 20 comprises parts of Madison and Rankin Counties. Charlie was first elected to the Senate in 1997 after serving as the representative from District 59 in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Prior to his legislative service, he served as the Chairman of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee. In 2008, Ross ran for Congress in Mississippi's 3rd congressional district, but was defeated in the primary by Rankin County Republican Chairman Gregg Harper.

In the Senate, Charlie served as Chairman of the Judiciary A Committee, which handles a wide variety of legislative issues including civil justice matters. He also served on the Constitution, Elections, Environmental Protection, Executive Contingent Fund, Finance, Insurance, and the Veteran and Military Affairs committees.

In 2004, as Chairman of the Judiciary A Committee, Charlie drafted the Comprehensive Tort Reform Bill and was the leader in the Senate in the successful fight to pass the bill. Senator Merle Flowers (R-DeSoto) says, "Senator Charlie Ross’ leadership and knowledge of our civil justice system was crucial in the tort reform fight. Charlie knew what needed to be done, and he knew how to do it. Mississippi is fortunate to have a leader of his character and ability in the Senate."

In recognition of his leadership on the tort reform issue, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) presented him with the prestigious Civil Justice Achievement Award. Senator Ross also served as the Public Sector Chairman of the Civil Justice Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a national organization of state legislators and private sector members. In 2007, ALEC recognized Senator Ross' legislative accomplishments and leadership by naming him Legislator of the Year. In 2007 the U.S. Chamber awarded Senator Ross its Legislative Achievement Award due to his leadership on a national basis in the field of legal reform.

According to Senator Ross, "The tort reform bill was landmark legislation that restored balance and credibility to Mississippi’s civil justice system. It is now being held out as a model for other states. I am very proud of what we accomplished, and feel privileged to have been a part of it."

In 1988 Charlie obtained his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School. In addition to his Senate duties, Charlie maintains a full law practice, concentrating on civil litigation. He is a shareholder in the Jackson law firm of Wise Carter Child and Caraway. He is admitted to practice before all Mississippi courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Charlie is a 1978 distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, with a B.S. in economics. After the Academy, he served on active duty as a fighter interceptor pilot. In 1991, he was activated and served as a C-141 pilot during Operation Desert Storm with the Mississippi Air National Guard. Charlie has been a strong and effective leader on veterans and military support issues. In 2007 the National Guard Association awarded him the prestigious Charles Dick Award for his legislative leadership in securing much needed tax relief for Mississippi guard members.

Charlie grew up and attended high school in Eupora, Webster County, Mississippi. He and his family currently live in Rankin County, where he is active in numerous civic and community organizations. He and his family are members of Lakeside Presbyterian Church, where he serves as a Sunday school teacher.

Charlie and his wife, Sharon, have three sons: Andy, David, and Steven.

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