JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Walter Michel (mi-SHEL') has rejoined the Mississippi state Senate after winning a special election for a seat covering parts of Hinds and Madison counties.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves swore in Michel Monday.

Michel defeated retired businessman Bill Billingsley March 8 for the District 25 seat. Though candidates in special elections don't run under party labels, Michel is a Republican.

The seat opened after Gov. Phil Bryant appointed Senator Will Longwitz as Madison County Court judge in January.

Michel, a commercial real estate broker, was first elected to the state House in 1991. Gov. Kirk Fordice appointed Michel to the Senate in 1999, and he served there until stepping down in 2011.

His re-entry into the state Senate gives it a full 52 members for the first time since Longwitz resigned.