White GOP Rep Who Lost to Black Dem Wants Election Overturned
A white woman who lost her Mississippi House of Representatives seat to a black woman challenger is asking the Republican-dominated body to overturn the election results.
OPINION: Racial Fantasy in Mississippi Politics: ‘Threading the Needle’ Ignores Reality
The future of Mississippi's Democratic Party depends upon its willingness to embrace a platform that premises its politics upon shared economic and racial injustice, rather than trying to thread a needle through imagined racial differences.
A New Dynamic: Shanda Yates’ Surprise Victory
Shanda Yates had never thought about running for office and had a litany of reasons not to pursue the House District 64 seat when she first discussed the idea with her husband, Yancy Burns, her partner at their firm, Burns & Associates PLLC.
OPINION: Mississippi Not a ‘Lost Cause’; Build and Fight
"I chose to make my home here 23 years ago. Mississippi has broken my heart on many more than one occasion. So, I hope everyone who worked hard will take the time to regroup and repair."
DOSSIER: Shanda Yates' Win in Mississippi Inspires Voters, Teaches Lessons
If the last week has proved anything, it's that people in the U.S., in Mississippi and especially in the Jackson metropolitan area are excited about a political newcomer, Shanda Yates, defeating a long-time incumbent for the District 64 seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives.
How 'Sister District' Helped Shanda Yates Unseat Longtime Mississippi Republican
Sister District, a California-based group dedicated to helping elect Democrats in state legislatures across the country, helped one Jackson area political newcomer unseat a longtime Republican incumbent.
OPINION: Kentucky, Virginia and Louisiana Voted for Change; Mississippi Still Has Work to Do
"While the rest of the country is erupting in action by using the power of the vote to elect more progressive officials, it seems apathy has gripped a large portion of Mississippi."
It's Official: Dem Shanda Yates Ousts 32-Year Republican in Mississippi House
Shanda Yates, a 38-year-old Jackson-area attorney, has ousted Billy Denny, a top Republican in the Mississippi House of Representatives who first won his seat in 1987—when Yates was just 6 years old.
Trump's Tupelo Visit Boosted Dems More Than GOP in Northeast Mississippi, Strategist Says
President Donald Trump's visit to Tupelo earlier this month may have helped Mississippi Democrats more than Republicans in this year's state elections, Chism Strategies, one of the state's top polling and political strategy firms, says.
OPINION: Running While Black—Dem AG Nominee Reveals Privilege, Ghosts Faced in Race
I boxed the glaring ghost of a broken and unsupportive party structure. I guess I am not supposed to say that out loud, but we might as well tell the truth out loud. Everyone is whispering it anyway.
Democratic Women Win House Seats, Oust GOP Incumbents in Mississippi
Shanda Yates, a millennial Democrat, could still oust Bill Denny, a top Republican in the Mississippi House, if her current lead in the House District 64 vote count holds once election officials add provisional ballots. With just the Election Day totals counted, the Associated Press reported that Yates led Denny, a 32-year incumbent, by about 51% to 49%, or 136 votes, in House District 64, which includes parts of Madison and Hinds counties.
Black Democrat Wins in Redrawn District After Racial Gerrymander Case
Even as Republicans swept statewide offices in Mississippi on Tuesday night, Joseph Thomas, an African American Democrat in a district that stretches across six counties, narrowly ousted a Republican incumbent. Earlier this year, a federal court forced the GOP-led Legislature to redraw the boundaries for that district, Senate District 22, after finding that they had drawn it in a way that was intended to dilute black voting power.
OPINION: Cowards Never Win—Mississippi Democrats Lose from Lack of Courage
It is time to tell the plain, unvarnished truth about Mississippi politics. We have wasted too much time being dishonest with ourselves and others. We have coddled one another, whined and complained, and frankly just surrendered when we should have been in the thick of battle.
Democrats Secure Victories in Hinds County Elections
As the Mississippi Republican Party swept up all state-wide offices yesterday's general election, Democrats won several seats in Hinds County.
Mississippi Democratic Party Needs to Overhaul Strategies, Outreach, Diversity
Prominent novelist Angie Thomas is planning to leave Mississippi due to the toxic politics here, on prominent display in last night’s election outcome. The wildly successful graduate of Belhaven College grew up in Georgetown in Jackson and travels frequently to Atlanta, Los Angeles and beyond. Her first novel became a popular feature film, and now her second film is in production.
GOP Runs Mississippi Gamut, But Signs of Hope for Dems, Medicaid Expansion
With his Southern Baptist pastor standing beside him at the King Edward Hotel in Jackson, Democrat Jim Hood conceded defeat in the race for Mississippi governor, reiterating his religiously inspired campaign theme of fighting for “the least of these” in policy areas like health care and education.
Republican Lt. Gov. Reeves wins Mississippi governor's race
"I want to be the governor for all Mississippians and I'm going to work hard every day to do that," Reeves told The Associated Press after his victory.
Election Day Hijinks, Obama Robocalls, Who's on Ballot, Election Watch Parties
Mississippi voters headed to the polls starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday to vote for top State and regional offices, including the election for governor. Polls will remain open until 7 p.m., when election workers will begin tallying up the vote.
Voter ID Stays Under Both Secretary of State Hopefuls, But One Wants Citizenship Check
Voting rights take center stage in tomorrow's election for secretary of state between Mississippi Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, and former Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, the Democratic nominee.
Nominees Share History of Slavery, Plantations, Seg Academies in Natchez Senate Race
Republican Melanie Sojourner told the Jackson Free Press on Oct. 24 that she did not know as a young girl that the school she attended had been organized as a segregation academy at a time when white parents pulled their children out of public schools in response to court-ordered integration.
Governor’s Race: Hood Fixates on Corruption As Reeves Avoids Interviews
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, the Democratic nominee for governor, claims wealthy corporate donors control his opponent and much of the Legislature.
OPINION: Tate Reeves Is Always Right. Ask Him.
"If Reeves had been a European king, he's the type who would have inspired a revolution as soon as he put on the crown. He might be inspiring a revolution in Mississippi even before he moves into the Governor's Mansion."
Fact-Check: GOP Mailer Falsely States Hood's Record on Abortion, Other Issues
The Mississippi Republican Party is behind a recent campaign mailer with a photo of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jim Hood's face next to a photoshopped set of bumper stickers on the back of a truck.
Hood Claims Reeves Cut Public Ed Money to Give Favors to Campaign Donors
"It's time to get the money changers out of the temple," Democratic nominee for governor Jim Hood said on Wednesday, standing inside the Italian-white marble walls of the Mississippi Capitol Building rotunda. "I'm talking about Tate Reeves."
Abortion at Center as Women's Groups Offer Collins, Fitch Endorsements
EMILY's List, a Washington, D.C.-based group dedicated to helping elect more women to offices nationwide, on Tuesday endorsed Democrat Jennifer Riley Collins in the Mississippi attorney general's race.
Scandals Dog Tate Reeves, Donald Trump as They Endorse Each Other
Tate Reeves gladly accepted Donald Trump's endorsement in the race for Mississippi governor. Both men are at the center of separate allegations of scandal and misuse of taxpayer funds.
Mississippi Leaders React to Trump Impeachment Inquiry; MAE Endorses Hood
Democratic Mississippi Congressman and U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson supports an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. House Rep. Steven Palazzo dismissed concerns about Trump urging the Ukraine president to launch an investigation into possible 2020 opponent Joe Biden.
Hood Says Reeves Blocked Vaping Bills After E-Cig Donations; Lt. Gov. Denies
Democratic Mississippi governor candidate Jim Hood claims his opponent, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, has blocked bills to regulate vaping after receiving campaign donations from vaping companies; Reeves denies it.
Hood Denies Dem AG Nominee Claim He's 'Working' to Elect GOP Opponent
Jennifer Riley Collins, the woman who hopes to succeed fellow Democrat Jim Hood in the Mississippi Attorney General's office, is accusing him of working to help her Republican opponent. Hood, the Democratic nominee for governor, denies the charge.
Jeb Bush Headlining Big-Money Lunch for Reeves After Voucher, Charter Victories
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush plans to travel to Belden, Miss., next month to help raise money for the state's Republican nominee for governor, Tate Reeves, at a high-dollar luncheon.
Expanded Vouchers Not OK with Either Lt. Gov. Candidate, Short Debate Reveals
The Republican and Democratic candidates for Mississippi lieutenant governor found more to agree than disagree on in Thursday night's 30-minute debate, with similar positions on teacher pay, private-school vouchers and transparency.
AG’s Office Releases Reeves Road Report with Reviews by Two Former Supreme Court Justices
Attorney General Jim Hood released a 43-page investigative report on whether Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves was involved in an attempt to build a $2 million frontage road in Flowood, Miss., which would have connected Reeves' home within a private subdivision to a nearby shopping center.
#MSELEX: Reeves Says Hood's Mental Health Focus Distracts from Issues; Dems in NOLA
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is pushing back against accusations that his leadership helped set the conditions for Mississippi's mental-health crisis.
State News: Charter Schools Legal; OK to Sell 'Veggie Burgers'; Hughes-Hosemann Debate Ahead
Stacey Abrams, who nearly made history in Georgia's race for governor last year, is helping Democrats who are running for statewide office in Mississippi this year.
Jim Hood, Tate Reeves: Real Issues on Center Stage in Governor’s Race
Tate Reeves pushed typical conservative buttons on his way to primary victory. Tammy Pearson said he spent too much time "relying on his name-dropping of Trump," adding, "This is a state election, not a national election. This is Mississippi."
EDITOR'S NOTE: Media: Horse-Race Election Reporting Signifies Nothing
It is vital to stop treating elections like a fun, two-sided thrill ride, which (usually male) political reporters and campaign strategists love—and they're getting paid either way, even if your hospital closes.
Hood Criticizes 'Legal Corruption,' Pushes for Medicaid, Mental-Health Reform
On the heels of Tate Reeves' victory in the Republican runoff for Mississippi governor, Democratic nominee Jim Hood emphasized the urgency of health-care reform for Mississippians at the Jackson Medical Mall on Wednesday, saying it would remain a top issue in his campaign.
Hood Vows to 'Prosecute' on Issues as Reeves Wins GOP Gov Nod
Just moments after Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves clenched the Republican nomination for governor in Tuesday night's runoff, his Democratic opponent in the November general election vowed to mount a tough challenge centered on health care, education, and fixing the state's roads and bridges.
Reeves vs. Hood This November in Mississippi Governor's Race
Mississippi second-term Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves won the Republican nomination for governor, setting up a November general election showdown with Democrat Jim Hood, the state's four-term attorney general.
OPINION: Abandon Political Labels and Work Together
Either way that you lean, when it comes to politics, there is much bickering and fighting that I personally believe is unnecessary, similar to two young siblings fighting over who gets to eat first even though they're both going to eat anyway.
Under Reeves, Mississippi Now the Last State With No Equal-Pay Law
Under Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Mississippi became the only state without an equal-pay law. Three equal-pay bills died this year in the Mississippi Senate, where Reeves has significant say over which bills make it to a vote.
Men and Corporate Donors Dominate in GOP Runoff for Governor
More than $3 million has flowed to the two candidates in Mississippi's Republican primary runoff since July 27—and the bulk of that money came from political action committees, corporations and men.
Democrat Hood Wants Three Debates in Mississippi Governor's Race
The Democratic nominee for Mississippi governor says no matter who wins the Republican nomination next week, he wants to debate that person three times before the general election.
Ex-Governor Barbour Backs Reeves in Mississippi GOP Runoff
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said Tuesday that he is supporting Tate Reeves for the Republican nomination for governor.
Mississippi Republican Governor Candidates Spar in Debate
Two Republicans running for Mississippi governor were asked during a televised debate Wednesday night to name one disagreement they've had with current Republican Gov. Phil Bryant.
Medicaid Expansion Debate at Center of Waller v. Reeves Runoff
Bill Waller Jr. supports what he calls "Medicaid reform," which would bring affordable health-care options to about 300,000 working Mississippians whose households make too much for traditional Medicaid, but not enough for subsidized private insurance.
‘Shared Belief’: McDaniel Endorses Reeves to Block Medicaid Expansion
Shared opposition to Medicaid expansion in the state spurred Mississippi Sen. Chris McDaniel on Thursday to endorse Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, whose legislative tactics he has long criticized, for the Republican Party runoff for governor.
False Claims in Tate Reeves' 'Obamacare' Mailers on Waller Plan
A mailer from Tate Reeves' campaign made several misleading claims about Republican runoff opponent Bill Waller's Medicaid expansion plan.
Waller Says Yes to Equal Pay, No on LGBT Hate Crimes Law
In a series of campaign stops for the Republican runoff for governor on Tuesday, former Mississippi Chief Justice Bill Waller reiterated his views on health care and education, while also sharing his thoughts on equal pay for women and LGBT hate crimes.
GOP Insider: Foster to Endorse Ex-Opponent Waller in Runoff for Primary Nod for Gov
Mississippi House Rep. Robert Foster plans to endorse former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller in the Republican runoff for governor, a GOP insider told the Jackson Free Press on Sunday evening.
Elected Officials, Advocacy Groups, Others Address Mississippi ICE Raids
Since ICE and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst's office yesterday raided workplaces across Mississippi, arresting 680 people and leaving many children stranded, we have received or spotted another of responses to the roundups on social media. Here is a growing list.
In Gov Race, Dem Hood Vows to 'Expose Corruption,' Reeves in Runoff with Waller
With a hug from former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood stepped up to a microphone and proclaimed victory in his quest for the Democratic nomination for governor last night.
Hood Wins Dem Nod for Mississippi Governor; GOP Runoff Ahead
Fourth-term Attorney General Jim Hood beat seven rivals to become the Democratic nominee for Mississippi governor, while on the Republican side, second-term Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves faces a runoff in three weeks against former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr.
Wealthy Doctors' PAC, 'I.V. League' Help Tate Reeves Lead in Campaign Donations
The Mississippi Medical Political Action Committee donated $20,000 to Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, who is the only candidate in the governor's race who does not support some form of Medicaid expansion.
Michael Watson Wants to Flag Citizen Status When Voters Register
If elected, Mississippi Sen. Michael Watson wants to use the secretary of state's office to run background checks on people when they register to vote—and flag people who may not be in the country legally.
OPINION: Reeves Is the Wrong Choice
Normally, I don't like to be wrong. But I wouldn't mind being wrong about next Tuesday's Republican gubernatorial primary. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is probably going to win the primary and the general election in November. That's too bad.
Hood Calls Tech, Women's Opportunities 'The Hope for Our Future'
Right now, though, just over 30% of the state does not have access to high-speed broadband service at all and remains limited to relying on slower options, like dial-up, to connect to the internet. It's worse in rural areas and small towns.
GOP Gov Hopefuls: Expand Medicaid to Help ‘Working’ People; Reeves Abstains
A mostly white and conservative crowd at the Neshoba County Fair roared approval on Thursday as Republican candidates for governor pledged to bring the final piece of former President Barack Obama’s health-care law to Mississippi: Medicaid expansion.
Candidate Questionnaire: Jennifer Riley Collins (Attorney General)
The Jackson Free Press emailed questionnaires to each candidate in the state attorney general race. The answers are the candidates' verbatim responses, with no edits whatsoever.
Vying for Mississippi Governor: The Issues Post-GOP Debate and Beyond
Find out where top candidates in the race for governor stand on issues like Medicaid expansion, private school vouchers, teacher pay, mental health, abortion rights, and more.
GOP AG’s Race: A ‘Crusade’ Against Drugs
Mississippi Rep. Mark Baker, R-Brandon, is running on a “tough on crime” approach to drugs. Andy Taggart has a more balanced platform.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Billy Graham, Primary Coverage and JFP VIPs
"If a male politician elects to follow the "Billy Graham Rule," it really is incumbent upon him to make the accommodations necessary to meet with women—reporters, constituents, policy advisers and advocates."
Mayor Endorses Williams for Senate, Shaun King Backs DA Hopeful Owens
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba endorsed Marcus Williams, a candidate for Mississippi Senate District 26 and former president of the Young Democrats of Mississippi, during a press conference at the Capitol this morning.
Candidate Questionnaire: Delbert Hosemann (Lt. Governor)
The Jackson Free Press emailed questionnaires to each candidate in the lieutenant governor's race. The answers are the candidates' verbatim responses, with no edits whatsoever.
Candidate Questionnaire: Jay Hughes (Lt. Governor)
The Jackson Free Press emailed questionnaires to each candidate in the lieutenant governor's race. The answers are the candidates' verbatim responses, with no edits whatsoever.
Hood: Governors Can’t Do Their Job and Follow the ‘Billy Graham Rule’
Republican candidates who say they cannot be alone with women who are not their wives are “ridiculous,” Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said in a fundraising email sent to supporters on Thursday.
What Mississippi Voters Want
We asked Mississippi voters which issues they want candidates to talk about. From potholes, to poverty, to higher teacher pay and help with college, here’s what they told us.
Candidate Backtracks After Saying Office is 'A Man's Job'
Malcolm Johnson, a Democratic man running for office in Mississippi, says he wasn't criticizing all women—just one—when he said being county supervisor is "a man's job."
Black Woman Accuses Dem Leader of Ignoring Her Governor Run
Velesha P. Williams, an African American woman from Jackson who is running for the Democratic nomination for governor of Mississippi, says party Chairman Bobby Moak will not "respect or acknowledge" her candidacy.
Reeves' 'Ready to Work' Plan Caps Tuition for Some, Adds K-12 Coding
In front of a crowd of enthusiastic college educators, Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves announced his plan to make Mississippi a "Ready to Work" state.
Candidates: Mississippi Should Focus on Vocational Education
Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that he's proposing the state spend $100 million to try to improve job skills. Reeves said the single largest expense would be $75 million to community colleges for workforce training.
Mississippi: Election Lawsuit is Not About Voting Rights
Attorneys defending Mississippi say a lawsuit that challenges the state's system of choosing a governor is about "partisan politics," not about protecting African Americans' voting rights.
Opinion: Men, Punishing Women and Reporters for #MeToo is Not the Answer
Rep. Robert Foster says he denied a woman reporter equal access to his campaign because he does not want people to think he's having an affair. Many of his supporters, though, think it's about striking back at #MeToo.
OPINION: Tuning in to Tate Television
"(Tate) Reeves is dead-set against insuring uninsured Mississippians. Why is he opposed to 'Obamacare expansion?' Lately, Reeves won't give a reason. He's just against it."
Foster Cites 'Billy Graham Rule' to Deny Woman Reporter Access
Robert Foster, a Republican candidate for Mississippi governor, says he would not let a woman journalist follow him while campaigning unless she was accompanied by a male colleague.
Private School Vouchers Split Mississippi Candidates for Governor
Several candidates for Mississippi governor have answered a questionnaire from a public education advocacy group called The Parents' Campaign, but Republican Tate Reeves has not.
Lumumba Endorses Jody Owens for Hinds District Attorney
Jody Owens has "demonstrated a commitment" to making Jackson better, Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba said during a live WMPR 90.1 radio broadcast of Coffee and Conversations with Wanda Evers on Wednesday, endorsing him in the race for Hinds County district attorney.
ACLU Leader Steps Down to Focus on Attorney General Race
Jennifer Riley Collins, the Democratic candidate in Mississippi's race for attorney general, is now a full-time campaigner after she stepped down from her role as head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi.
Jody Owens Nets Endorsements for District Attorney: 'A System Changer'
At a Monday press conference, legislators, community organizers and elected officials held campaign signs as they filled the steps behind Jody Owens in support of his bid to become the next district Hinds County district attorney.
Hood to Appeal Fetal 'Heartbeat' Law Ruling, Citing 'Duty'
On Friday, State Attorney General Jim Hood will appeal U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves ruling that struck down Mississippi's recently passed fetal "heartbeat" law to a higher court, Hood announced late Thursday afternoon.
Reeves' Kemper Bill Let Mississippi Power Shift $1 Billion to Customers
Mississippi Power's gambit to build a first-of-its kind "clean coal" plant in one of the poorest counties in Mississippi failed, but not before state ratepayers helped finance its construction to the tune of billions with the permission of state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves.
OPINION: Mississippi's New Governor—The Time for Change is Now!
Every state in the union has done the right and humane thing of removing the Confederate symbol from their flags. Mississippi stands alone, steeped in injustice and fear.
Republican Reeves Holds $6.3M in Mississippi Governor's Race
Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves has five times as much cash to spend in the final five months of the governor's race as his best-financed opponent, and he's already spending at a rapid clip.
A Look at Mississippi Candidates' Campaign Finance Filings
Mississippi candidates had a Monday deadline to file campaign finance reports to show how much money they had raised and spent through the end of May. This is a brief look at reports for top offices.
AG Candidates Praise 'Heartbeat Bill,' Anti-LGBT Laws, Tort Reform
About 50 people showed up at a venue that would seat 1,200 on Wednesday night to hear Republican candidates explain why voters should elect them as Mississippi's next attorney general—the state's chief legal officer who holds the power to bring or defend against lawsuits on behalf of the state.
Taggart 'Disappointed' That Fitch Plans to Skip AG Debates
Republican candidate for Mississippi attorney general Andy Taggart criticized one of his opponents, State Treasurer Lynn Fitch, in an open letter on Monday because she does not plan to attend two debates later this week.
The Unwritten Story: The JFP Interview with Governor Hopeful Velesha P. Williams
For two hours, Velesha P. Williams shared her vision for moving Mississippi forward, and how she, a former U.S. Army officer who also spent years working at Jackson State University, plans to make it happen.
Voter Reform Urgent, Local Women’s Group Says
People filled every seat in Refill Cafe on May 17 as Willie Jones, president of Women for Progress, held an open forum to discuss solutions to combat voter apathy and reform the voting process in Mississippi.
Mississippi Group Floats 'Medicaid Reform' Plan to Woo Republicans
The Mississippi Hospital Association unveiled a proposal called "Mississippi Cares" that, like Medicaid expansion, would insure around 300,000 more adults in the state, ages 19-64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
Mississippi Candidates Raise Millions in Race for Governor
Mississippi candidates vying to become the state's next governor raised millions of dollars in the first political fundraising quarter.
Mississippians See Growth on Amazon, But Politicians Misstate Report
Amazon reported in a May 1 press statement that Mississippi retailers boasted the fastest year-over-year growth among Amazon retailers. State leaders seized on the news but misstated the case.
Waller Exceeds Fundraising Expectations in GOP Race
Republican Bill Waller raised more than half a million dollars in his first two months in the race for governor, his campaign announced in a press release on Tuesday.
Democrats, Activists 'Infuriated' as Hood Defends Six-Week Abortion Ban
Abortion-rights activists and some Democratic leaders are unhappy with Mississippi's leading Democratic candidate for governor, state Attorney General Jim Hood, after his office filed a brief in defense of the state's new six-week abortion ban.
Reeves Falsely Claims Hood Will Let 'Terrorists and Rapists' Vote
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican candidate for governor this year, misled voters on Tuesday when he claimed that state Attorney General Jim Hood would allow "terrorists and rapists" to vote from prison if elected.
Hood Takes Heat for Blackface Photos, Says Leave Trans Rights Up to Schools
A Hattiesburg woman confronted Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood on Tuesday over yearbook photos from the 1980s that show members of his college fraternity wearing blackface.
Mississippi AG Candidate Vows to Defend Six-Week Abortion Ban
State Rep. Mark Baker, a Republican candidate for Mississippi attorney general, is pledging to take the state's recently passed abortion ban all the way to the Supreme Court.
AG Candidate Vows to Defend State Funding for Anti-LGBT Adoption Agencies
If Mississippians make state Rep. Mark Baker their next attorney general, he vows to fight so that religiously affiliated adoption agencies that accept state funds can continue to legally discriminate against LGBT families.
Voting Rights Act Denied Mississippi Its 'Sovereignty,' AG Candidate Says
At a Tupelo campaign stop on Monday, Mississippi State Rep. Mark Baker, a Republican candidate for attorney general, said the 1965 Voting Rights Act violated Mississippi's "sovereignty."
Reeves Vows Culture War Against ‘Liberals’ in Campaign for Governor
Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves set the tone in his race for Mississippi governor Monday evening, telling supporters at a campaign event: "The radical liberals have taken aim at Mississippi's culture and Mississippi's values."
Reeves Skipping First Debate for Governor Despite Early End to Session
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican candidate for governor, will be a no-show at the party's first primary debate on Tuesday night.
‘Why Can’t I Break That Barrier?’: The JFP Interview with AG Hopeful Jennifer Riley Collins
During our afternoon interview with Jennifer Riley Collins in downtown Jackson, she explained why she believes she is up to the momentous task of becoming the first African American woman ever to win a statewide office, and what she believes she can bring to the attorney general's office.
Mississippi Holds Special Elections for Three House Seats Today
Mississippi voters in three state House districts head to the polls today to elect new representatives to fill vacant seats.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves' 2003 Victory over Gary Anderson 'All About Race,' Critics Say
In his successful 2003 bid for state treasurer, critics accused current-Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves of running ads designed to remind voters that his Democratic opponent, Gary Anderson was black. Reeves denied the allegations.
OPINION: Jay Hughes and the Apostasy of ‘White Democrats’ in Mississippi
Not content with the number of obstacles currently in a pregnant woman's path to accessing safe abortion care, our state government has continued its efforts to erode Roe v. Wade. Gov. Phil Bryant has repeatedly said that he wants “Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child”—even, apparently, if that entails making Mississippi the least safe place for mothers and born children.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith Plans 2020 Kickoff With High-Dollar Donors
Just months after winning the most closely contested U.S. Senate race in Mississippi since the 1980s, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith plans to kick off her 2020 re-election bid next month with a high-dollar fundraiser in Washington, D.C.
Democratic House Leader David Baria Won’t Seek Re-Election
Mississippi House Minority Leader David Baria will not seek re-election to his seat, the Bay St. Louis Democrat announced unexpectedly in a letter to supporters Friday afternoon.
Beyond Angry Tweets: Robert Foster on Why He is Running for Governor
Mississippi House Rep. Robert Foster is running for governor in the Republican primary, running against current Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican from Florence, Miss., among others.
Sam Britton Announces Secretary of State Run, Pledges Loyalty to Trump
Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Sam Britton promised to "get government out of our lives" on Monday as he launched a bid to become Mississippi's next secretary of state.
Ronnie Crudup Jr. Running for Adrienne Wooten's Vacated House Seat
South Jackson and community activist Ronnie Crudup Jr. is running to be the next representative of District 71, the Mississippi House of Representatives seat Adrienne Wooten vacated to join the judiciary.
Lt. Gov. Reeves: No to Medicaid Expansion, Despite Strong Citizen Support
After weeks of speculation that Mississippi's Republican leadership might support expanding Medicaid in the state, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves slammed the door shut on Monday.
Mississippi Treasurer Fitch Running for Attorney General
Republican Lynn Fitch of Ridgeland, Mississippi's second-term state treasurer, says she is running for attorney general because she wants to protect gun rights, fight opioid abuse and crack down on human trafficking.
Juan Cloy Announces His Candidacy for Hinds County Sheriff
Former Canton Assistant Police Chief Juan Cloy has formally declared his candidacy for Hinds County Sheriff.
Republican Candidates 'Looking at' Medicaid Expansion, Other States
At least two Republican candidates for statewide office in Mississippi are voicing support for Medicaid expansion—a policy state GOP leadership has long resisted.
Hosemann Should 'Resign' His Office, Democratic Opponent Demands
One of Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann's potential opponents is calling on him to resign his office while he runs for lieutenant governor.
Delbert Hosemann Running for Lt. Gov: 'I'm Here to Apply for the Job'
Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann is running for lieutenant governor, he announced Wednesday morning.
Election-Year Lawmaking: What Will Happen?
Democratic Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood had stood discussed Mississippi's dismal national rankings in things like health care, poverty and education. Republicans such as Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Hood said, would try to tell voters everything was just fine.
GOP Gov. Candidate Foster Pushes a Type of Medicaid Expansion
First-term state Rep. Robert Foster of Hernando says Tuesday he thinks working people added to Medicaid should be required to pay something for coverage. Mississippi would need federal permission for such a system.
Foster Claims 'Third Party' Offered $1 Million to Exit Governor's Race
A third party offered to help Mississippi State Rep. Robert Foster, R-Hernando, secure $1 million in fundraising if he would drop out of the race for governor, the GOP candidate claimed in an interview with the Jackson Free Press Thursday.
Hard-right Conservative 'Farmer Bob' to Announce Run for Governor
Freshman State Rep. Robert Foster will announce a bid for the Republican nomination to be Mississippi's next governor tomorrow in his hometown of Hernando.
Jackson Woman Joins Dem Race for Governor; State Rep Exploring GOP Race
Next week, Velesha P. Williams plans to officially join the race to become the Democratic Party's gubernatorial nominee, she announced in a Nov. 29 press release.
McDaniel v. Hood? State Senator to 'Pray About' Run for Governor
Just days after his hopes of becoming a U.S. senator were dashed for the second time in four years, Mississippi State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, signaled interest in a possible run for governor next year.
Hood Announces Run: 'Jesus Taught Us to Fight for the Poor'
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood announced his run for governor on Oct. 3 in Houston, Miss.
Amid Positive Polls, Jim Hood to Announce Run for Mississippi Governor
Mississippi State Attorney General Jim Hood will kick off a campaign for governor on Wednesday, Oct. 3, he announced in a statement on Monday, Oct. 1.
Delbert Hosemann Will Seek Higher Office; Not Running for Re-election
Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann drew boos from a crowd of supporters on Wednesday at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., when he announced he would not run for for re-election, but he quickly calmed them by teasing another possibility.
2019 State Races Shaping Up; Hood Has Edge Over Reeves for Governor
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Attorney General Jim Hood are the obvious candidates expected to face off in the 2019 gubernatorial election if both make it past the party primaries, although neither one has officially declared his intention to run for the office.
Petal Mayor Marx Says He's Running for Mississippi Governor
A Republican mayor from south Mississippi said Thursday that he is running for governor next year, even though he expects to be widely outspent by other candidates.
State Rep. Hughes Running for Lieutenant Governor in 2019
First-term Democratic state Rep. Jay Hughes of Oxford announced last week that he is running for Mississippi lieutenant governor in 2019, saying the state needs to improve public education, highways and mental health services and create a lottery.
