Willie Lee Simmons

Willie Lee Simmons (born March 21, 1947) is an American politician and former member of the Mississippi State Senate from the 13th District, where he served from 1993 to 2020. Simmons ran and won the election to the Mississippi Transportation Commission for the Central District. Prior to serving in the senate, he worked in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

He is a member of the Democratic Party. His daughter is Sarita Simmons, Senator for Mississippi's 13th district.

Early life and education Simmons was born on March 21, 1947 in Utica, Mississippi and went to Utica Junior College. He graduated from Alcorn State University in 1967 with a bachelor's in social science; and received Master of Science Degree in guidance and counseling and Education Specialist Degree in counseling and administration from Delta State University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Simmons served in the Senate for 26 years, of which 8 years he served as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. In the senate, he played a role in the repair of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, the upgrade and repair of Highway 8 in Cleveland, Mississippi, and the Highway 82 Bypass in Leland, Mississippi. During his leadership, he appropriated $5 billion in highway and other infrastructure improvements. He won reelection in 2023 against Republican Ricky Pennington 55.2% to 44.8% and was named chairman of the commission in 2024.