Mississippi Republican Governor Tate Reeves Wins Re-Election

Mississippi Republican Governor Tate Reeves fended off a challenge from Democrat Brandon Presley on Tuesday after weeks of media speculation that Democrats might take the governor’s mansion for the first time in 20 years. 

Reeves defeated Presley by about 39,000 votes, taking 51.8% of the vote. Presley conceded around 11 p.m. CST on Tuesday. 

“This victory belongs to you,” Reeves said on Tuesday. “This victory is more than just who will occupy the governor’s mansion over the next four years. It’s really about the direction that our state will go over the next four years. Mississippi has momentum.”

Republican candidates for Mississippi lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general all won their races with around 60% of the vote.

During the campaign, Reeves tied Presley to President Joe Biden, whose approval rating remains low across the country.

“My opponent has outsourced his entire campaign to the Democratic National Committee,” Reeves said during a debate. “Joe Biden and his buddies have funded his campaign to the tune of 80% of the money that he has raised has come from California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. It ain’t charity.”

Presley raised about $5 million more than Reeves during the campaign, taking in $11.2 million to Reeve’s $6.2 million. 

Presley, a second cousin to musician Elvis Presley and member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, said that his campaign had left no “stone unturned.”

“This is bigger than one man,” he said. “We can lose this race tonight recognizing good on the other side.”

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During the campaign, Presley pointed to a $77 million welfare scandal in Mississippi where federal money intended for low-income people ended up with people and organizations not qualified to receive the aid. The money was misspent by the state’s Department of Human Services. 

In the days leading up to the election, many media outlets speculated that Presley might pull off an upset. For example, Business Insider ran an article titled “How Democrat Brandon Presley could win the Mississippi governor’s race and pull off one of the biggest political upsets of 2023.”

In the end, Reeve’s margin of victory was similar to 2019 when he was first elected governor and won by about 42,000 votes. 

Republicans struggled in other high-profile races across the country with Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear defeating Republican challenger Daniel Cameron, Democrats taking full control of the state legislature in Virginia, and Ohio voters adding abortion to the state constitution.

Mississippi‌ Republican Governor Tate Reeves has emerged victorious after defeating Democrat Brandon Presley in the ‌recent gubernatorial election. Despite weeks ⁤of ​media⁤ speculation suggesting a potential shift in power, Democrats were‍ unable ‍to secure the governor’s mansion ⁢for the first​ time in two ⁣decades. Reeves garnered 51.8% of the vote, winning by approximately 39,000 ​votes.

Addressing his supporters on Tuesday night, Reeves attributed his victory to their unwavering support, stating, “This victory belongs to you.” ⁢He emphasized that the​ outcome of the election would shape the direction of the state over the next four years and declared that Mississippi had momentum.

The Republican candidates for other ⁣key positions in Mississippi also experienced success, with lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general all winning ‍their races by securing around 60% of‍ the vote.

During the campaign, Reeves ‌strategically⁢ linked Presley ​to President Joe⁢ Biden, whose approval ‌ratings‍ remain low ​nationwide. Reeves‌ highlighted Presley’s reliance on funding from ⁤the Democratic National Committee, claiming that⁤ 80% of his ​campaign contributions came from California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington,‌ D.C. He characterized this support as a⁤ lack of independence, asserting, “It ain’t​ charity.”

Contrary to Reeves’ assertions, ‍Presley managed to⁣ raise $11.2 million, outpacing‌ Reeves by‌ $5 ⁣million. Presley, ​a⁢ member of the ⁣Mississippi Public Service Commission‍ and‍ a second cousin to famous musician Elvis Presley, stated that​ his campaign had left no stone unturned in ​its efforts.

In a gracious concession‍ speech, Presley acknowledged that ‍the race was not just about himself but about the broader landscape, recognizing that there ⁢were ⁢good ‌people on ‌both ⁢sides. He emphasized the ⁢need for unity and a shared understanding ‌of the​ bigger picture.

The election outcome‌ signifies the continued ​stronghold​ of Republicans‍ in Mississippi and the⁤ effectiveness​ of Reeves’ strategy in thwarting the Democratic challenge. Reeves successfully capitalized on President⁢ Biden’s ‌unpopularity and Presley’s perceived lack of⁤ independence⁤ to⁢ secure his⁣ victory.

As Reeves prepares to occupy the governor’s mansion for another four years, Mississippi residents can expect the continuation of Republican policies⁣ and initiatives. Reeves’ win⁤ reaffirms the state’s conservative leanings and the trust placed in him ​to lead⁣ Mississippi forward in‌ the next phase of ‍its development.