Presley Secures Democratic Primary Victory for Mississippi Governor, While Gov. Reeves Confronts Two GOP Competitors

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In the Mississippi primary election, Governor Tate Reeves aims to easily surpass the challenge posed by two political newcomers to secure the Republican nomination for a second term. This victory would set the stage for a general election face-off against Democrat Brandon Presley.

Reeves emphasizes Mississippi’s positive trajectory with a low unemployment rate and consistent job growth. In contrast, Presley, who happens to be a cousin of the renowned rock ‘n’ roll figure Elvis Presley, contends that Reeves is disconnected from the struggles of individuals in one of the most economically disadvantaged states in the U.S.

Presley emerged victorious in the Democratic primary, having no opponents. The polls closed at 7 p.m. Central time.

Reeves largely paid little attention to his Republican primary contenders, both of whom ran low-budget campaigns: John Witcher, a physician who expresses concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations, and David Hardigree, a military veteran.

MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR RACE HIGHLIGHTS
Eight candidates qualify for the initial Republican debate; Ohio voters face a pivotal decision on abortion rights; the Supreme Court reinstates regulations on firearms without serial numbers.

Mississippi is among three states holding gubernatorial elections during an off-year. The Republican Party has maintained control over all statewide offices in Mississippi for the last two decades. Despite this, Phil Murphy, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, anticipates a competitive race, suggesting that the right Democratic candidate could prevail.

Presley, aged 46, was born shortly before the passing of his famous relative. He currently serves his fourth term on the Mississippi Public Service Commission, which oversees utilities. He frequently references his upbringing in a household where his widowed mother struggled to make ends meet with her meager earnings from a garment factory.

“I comprehend the challenges of getting by and empathize with the working class,” Presley affirmed. “For those who have been overlooked in Mississippi, the individuals Tate Reeves is unaware of—families like mine, which Reeves disregards—when my name appears on the November ballot, so does yours.”

Presley’s goals include the elimination of the state’s 7% tax on groceries and advocating for Mississippi to follow the example of 40 other states in extending Medicaid coverage to individuals in low-wage jobs without private health insurance.

Reeves, aged 49, has progressively ascended the political ladder since his victory in the state treasurer election in 2003. His journey includes two terms as treasurer, two terms as lieutenant governor, and ultimately his governorship win in 2019.

During the pandemic’s onset, Reeves closed schools and imposed some business restrictions as COVID-19 cases surged. However, he refrained from ordering the closure of churches, frequently highlighting Mississippi as one of the earliest states to lift business limitations.

Reeves also opposes Medicaid expansion, frequently labeling the government health insurance program as “welfare.”

“Brandon Presley and his party seem content with expanding welfare,” Reeves commented. “He campaigns on the idea of increasing welfare. He envisions welfare as a solution. My belief is that a job, complete with benefits, healthcare, and opportunities for advancement, should be the aspiration for all Mississippians.”

Reeves informs voters that “national liberals” back Presley and frequently mentions two laws he endorsed, limiting the rights of transgender individuals. One, from 2021, bans transgender participation in girls’ or women’s sports teams. The other, enacted this year, restricts gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals below 18 years old.

In the previous year, Reeves signed an income tax reduction into law and aims to eventually eliminate the state income tax entirely. He also asserts that he has fulfilled his 2019 campaign pledge to enhance teacher salaries.

Optometrist Dr. Martha Morrow, based in Alabama but voting in Mississippi, supports Presley due to his perceived honesty and dedication to enhancing quality of life. Expanding Medicaid for low-income workers is of paramount importance to her.

“We must prevent the closure of rural hospitals,” Morrow emphasized. “Tate Reeves might downplay it, but it’s a significant issue. People are already losing their lives due to inaccessible hospitals, and this will persist.”

Sue Varner, a retired hairdresser from Madison—a suburb of Jackson—voted for Reeves.

“I appreciate his handling of COVID. I believe he did a commendable job,” Varner stated, revealing her skepticism toward COVID-19 vaccinations.

Presley and the chosen Republican candidate will contend with independent contender Gwendolyn Gray, a newcomer to politics, in the general election on November 7. Gray, aged 68, leads a nonprofit organization named the Southern Foundation for Homeless Children, which offers nutrition programs. Her primary concern as governor would be addressing poverty.

In addition to the gubernatorial race, Mississippi also features a three-person Republican primary for the state’s second-highest office. Incumbent Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann faces competition from state Sen. Chris McDaniel and educator Tiffany Longino.

While some states have a joint ticket for governor and lieutenant governor, Mississippi conducts separate elections for these roles. The lieutenant governor oversees the state Senate, selects Senate committee leaders, and holds significant influence over the fate of legislative bills.

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More about Gubernatorial Election

• Presley wins Democratic primary for Mississippi governor
• Gov. Reeves faces 2 GOP rivals in Mississippi primary
• Mississippi Gubernatorial Election Overview
• Brandon Presley’s Campaign Goals
• Tate Reeves’ Policy Stances
• Gwendolyn Gray’s Profile