Incumbent Tate Reeves (R), Brandon Presley (D), and Gwendolyn Gray (independent) are running in the general election for governor of Mississippi on Nov. 7, 2023.
Reeves was elected in 2019 by five percentage points. According to Mississippi College political science professor Glenn Antizzo, Reeves’ margin of victory was “less than the usual split between Republicans and Democrats in Mississippi.” Reeves became the first Republican state treasurer in Mississippi’s history when he was elected to the position in 2003. Reeves was elected lieutenant governor in 2011 and served for two terms. Reeves highlighted his record as governor, including what he said was a record-low 3.1% unemployment rate, the largest tax cut in state history, and a record increase in teacher pay. He said he would work toward eliminating the state income tax, improving the foster care system, and attracting businesses.
Presley has represented the Northern District of the Mississippi Public Service Commission since 2008. Presley was the mayor of Nettleton, Mississippi, from 2001 to 2007. During this time, Presley said he cut taxes and balanced the city’s budget. As governor, he said he would cut taxes, including car tag fees and the grocery tax, fight government corruption, lower the cost of healthcare, expand Medicaid, and create jobs.
