In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves secured the Republican nomination for a second term, positioning himself for a general election match against Democrat Brandon Presley in this deeply conservative state.
Reeves emerged victorious over two novice contenders, John Witcher, a physician who has voiced concerns about Covid-19 vaccinations, and David Hardigree, a military veteran. Presley, distantly related to rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, ran uncontested.
Presley framed the impending November 7 general election as a choice between a candidate willing to advocate for Mississippi’s citizens and one who has demonstrated compliance with lobbying interests rather than the state’s populace.
Presley planned to take the stage at his victory celebration to the tune of “See See Rider,” a track often associated with Elvis Presley. However, he clarified that he would refrain from singing, emphasizing the focus on garnering votes.
Despite a Republican stronghold on all statewide offices over the past two decades, including the governorship, Phil Murphy, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, suggested that this contest might offer unexpected outcomes if the right Democratic candidate emerges.
Reeves, 49, has steadily ascended the political hierarchy since his victory in the state treasurer race in 2003. Following two terms as treasurer and two terms as lieutenant governor, he secured the governor’s office in 2019.
Throughout the pandemic, Reeves implemented school closures and imposed certain business restrictions as Covid-19 cases proliferated. Notably, he refrained from mandating the closure of churches and highlighted Mississippi’s early removal of business constraints.
In the realm of healthcare policy, Reeves opposes Medicaid expansion, characterizing the government health insurance program as a form of welfare. He champions job creation and advancement as a preferable solution.
Reeves portrays Presley as aligned with “national liberals” and proudly cites legislation he endorsed that restricts the rights of transgender individuals. These include a 2021 law barring transgender participation in girls’ or women’s sports teams and a subsequent law preventing gender-affirming healthcare for those under 18.
Last year, Reeves enacted an income tax reduction and advocates for the eventual elimination of state income taxes. He also asserts the fulfillment of his 2019 promise to increase teacher compensation. Reeves underscores the idea of Mississippi’s ongoing progress and questions the veracity of Presley’s campaign assertions.
Presley, 46, a member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, emphasizes the challenges faced by working families in one of the nation’s poorest states. He has articulated his childhood experiences of financial struggles within his household, drawing attention to his upbringing in the wake of Elvis Presley’s passing.
Presley aims to abolish the state’s 7% tax on groceries and advocates for Mississippi’s alignment with 40 other states in expanding Medicaid to cover those employed in low-wage positions without private health insurance.
The gubernatorial race also features independent candidate Gwendolyn Gray, a political newcomer who leads the Southern Foundation for Homeless Children, an organization focused on nutrition programs and poverty alleviation.
In conjunction with the governorship race, Mississippi held a Republican primary for the second-highest state office. The race featured incumbent Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and state Senator Chris McDaniel, with educator Tiffany Longino trailing behind. Notably, the state’s lieutenant governor does not run as part of a joint ticket with the governor but wields significant authority over the state Senate and legislative decision-making.
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