Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson and Secretary of State Michael Watson announced their campaigns for governor and lieutenant governor during appearances at the Neshoba County Fair on Thursday.
Gipson, a Republican in his second term, received applause as he took the stage at Founders Square. He cited his experience as a public sector executive, private sector worker, and preacher. Gipson emphasized his commitment to addressing food security and juvenile crime in Mississippi.
He highlighted efforts to expand farmers markets and support local food infrastructure, asserting that “food security is national security.” Gipson also called for the construction of a juvenile detention facility to rehabilitate youth involved in violent crimes. “These dangerous youth need to be identified, held accountable, and given educational or vocational opportunities,” he said.
Following Gipson, Watson, also a Republican, spoke about his work overseeing elections and efforts to ensure voter integrity. He praised initiatives like the SHIELD Act, which uses the federal SAVE database to verify U.S. citizenship for voters. Watson also addressed the need for bipartisan cooperation in the Legislature and announced his plans for a “kitchen table tour” across Mississippi to hear voter concerns.
Watson is currently the only declared candidate for lieutenant governor. State Senator Briggs Hopson has been mentioned as a potential contender but has not announced. Several other prominent Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Attorney General Lynn Fitch, are considered possible gubernatorial candidates.
While no Democrats have officially announced campaigns, former Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley has been speculated as a potential candidate for governor in 2027.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
