Bitter Republican Primary for Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Sparks Excitement
The race for lieutenant governor in Mississippi’s Republican primary has become fiercely contested, generating excitement among party members. Republicans currently hold all eight statewide offices and have a majority in the state House and Senate. Incumbent Delbert Hosemann is facing challenges from state Senator Chris McDaniel and educator Tiffany Longino. The Republican primary winner will go on to face Democrat D. Ryan Grover, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Hosemann, who is seeking a second term as lieutenant governor after serving three terms as secretary of state, has focused on his accomplishments, including a teacher pay raise, increased funding for public education, and a budget surplus. He has also criticized McDaniel, calling him a pathological liar and accusing his campaign of engaging in despicable behavior. Both Hosemann and McDaniel have aligned themselves with former President Donald Trump.
McDaniel, a four-term state legislator from Ellisville, has previously run for the U.S. Senate twice, losing both times. He believes Hosemann is not conservative enough and has appointed too many Democrats to committee chairmanships in the state Senate.
Meanwhile, Longino, an educator from Brandon, aims to expand Medicaid to provide coverage for low-wage workers without private health insurance.
In the attorney general race, incumbent Lynn Fitch, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Greta Kemp Martin do not face party primaries. Fitch has served as attorney general since 2019, following two terms as state treasurer. She gained attention for her involvement in arguing the case that led to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that legalized abortion rights nationwide. Kemp Martin, an attorney for Disability Rights Mississippi, opposes Fitch’s stance on abortion and criticizes restrictions on women’s healthcare access.
Similarly, incumbent Secretary of State Michael Watson, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Shuwaski Young do not have party primaries. Watson, who has been in office since 2019 after three terms in the state Senate, has prioritized building confidence in Mississippi’s election process and aims to strengthen proof of citizenship requirements for voting. Young, a former Department of Homeland Security employee, wants to expand early voting and online voter registration.
The treasurer race features incumbent Republican David McRae and Democratic challenger Addie Green, without party primaries. McRae, who assumed office in 2019 after an unsuccessful 2015 run, opposes investment screenings based on environmental, social, and governance strategies. Green, a former Bolton alderwoman, advocates for a higher minimum wage.
In the auditor race, Republican incumbent Shad White and Democratic challenger Larry Bradford face no party primaries. White, a 2018 appointment who was elected in 2019, made headlines by investigating the misspending of federal welfare funds. Bradford, a former mayor, emphasizes protecting public money and criticizes White’s stance on diversity and inclusion initiatives at public universities.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, the incumbent, faces Republican challenger Mitch Young in the primary, while Bruce Burton is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Chaney, who has been in office since 2007, highlights efforts to make insurance more affordable and aid residents affected by natural disasters. Young, a military veteran, advocates for better regulation to prevent issues experienced by disaster-prone states like Florida.
The agriculture commissioner race sees Republican incumbent Andy Gipson, who assumed office in 2018, face three Democratic contenders: Robert Brad Bradford, Bethany Hill, and Terry Rogers. Gipson prioritizes agriculture and has held various positions within the state government. Bradford, a military veteran and farmer, emphasizes his experience and plans for the Mississippi Delta. Hill, who grew up on a farm, supports the legalization of medical marijuana. Rogers, the youngest candidate at 19, focuses on promoting agriculture jobs among young people.
This primary election in Mississippi features heated races and multiple candidates vying for important positions within the state government. As the campaigns unfold, Republicans hope to maintain their stronghold on statewide offices, while Democrats seek to make gains and offer alternative visions for Mississippi’s future.
