Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson is set to announce his candidacy for lieutenant governor next week. The Republican official will make his campaign announcement Tuesday, April 7, as he shifts focus to the 2027 statewide elections.
Watson, who is currently in his second term as the state’s 36th secretary of state, previously said he would not seek a third term. He is expected to run for lieutenant governor, a position that will be open due to term limits on current Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, a former secretary of state.
The secretary of state plans to host 11 campaign stops across Mississippi next week to speak with supporters. His first appearance will be in Pascagoula, where he attended high school. He will then visit Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Meridian, Starkville, Tupelo, Oxford, Olive Branch, Cleveland, and Brookhaven.
Watson has a campaign war chest of $2.5 million, according to his January 2026 finance report. This fundraising strength positions him as a front-runner should he run for lieutenant governor. His name has been among the most mentioned for the GOP nomination, with few other candidates emerging as serious contenders.
State Senator Briggs Hopson, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor. Hopson reported just over $800,000 cash on hand in January. Watson’s deep fundraising and recognition make him a leading figure in the upcoming primary race, according to political observers.
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
