Incumbent Republican Tate Reeves wins second term as Mississippi Governor, fending off Democratic opponent.
Incumbent Republican Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves clinched a second term in office as the leader of the Magnolia State. His victory came after his Democratic opponent conceded the race late on a Tuesday night. Reeves faced a tough challenge from Democrat Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, who happens to be the second cousin of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley. The electoral contest turned out to be surprisingly competitive for the typically conservative Mississippi.
During a debate earlier in the year, Reeves highlighted his accomplishments as governor, including the state’s historically low unemployment rate, improved educational achievement levels, and collaborative efforts with hospital leaders to prevent the closure of healthcare facilities.
The election revolved around critical issues, particularly the Mississippi economy and healthcare, including the expansion of Medicare. Mississippi holds the unfortunate distinction of being the poorest state in the nation, with a poverty rate of 18.1% in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, nearly half of the state’s rural hospitals were at risk of shutting down. Healthcare, particularly Medicaid and health care reform, took center stage during the candidates’ debate, occupying a significant portion of the one-hour discussion.
Reeves has been criticized by Democrats for rejecting Medicaid expansion, with the governor defending his stance by emphasizing the importance of work over welfare. He argued that adding 300,000 able-bodied adult Mississippians to the welfare rolls wouldn’t be sound public policy and would not deliver the financial benefits claimed by Democrats, especially for healthcare providers.
Brandon Presley’s campaign platform included advocating for the expansion of Medicare, a proposal aimed at addressing healthcare issues in the state.
The Cook Political Report adjusted its classification of the 2023 Mississippi governor’s race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican” two weeks ago, underscoring the race’s competitiveness. In the 2019 election, Reeves won by a narrow margin of just 5%, making it the most closely contested governor’s race in Mississippi since 2003.
A recent poll conducted early the previous month by Magnolia Tribune/Mason-Dixon indicated that 51% of voters would choose Reeves if the election were held at that time, while 43% would support Presley. Reeves secured his second term despite facing criticism and attacks related to a significant corruption scandal that unfolded during his time as lieutenant governor. The scandal involved six members of the Mississippi Department of Human Services diverting around $77 million in federal welfare funds, originally intended for needy residents, to pet projects. Reeves has consistently denied any involvement in the scandal.
Furthermore, Reeves ran a series of television advertisements accusing Presley of breaking the law by accepting money from a solar energy company within his jurisdiction as a public service commissioner. Presley vehemently refuted these claims, labeling them a “bald-faced lie,” and challenged Reeves during their debate.
