Mississippi News
Gov. Tate Reeves’ low poll numbers could embolden opposition in 2023
Gov. Tate Reeves’ low poll numbers could embolden opposition in 2023
A new Morning Consult poll had to grab the attention of House Speaker Philip Gunn and a few other prominent Mississippi Republicans.
The poll, conducted over a three-month period this summer, tagged Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves as the fifth most unpopular governor in the nation. Reeves had the approval of 48% of the respondents and a 42% disapproval.
Generally speaking, the nation’s governors had positive rankings in the 50-state poll. But Reeves was one of only eight governors whose popularity ranking was below 50%. Of the many Republican governors running for reelection within the next four years, Reeves ranks last in America.
The poll had to provide a little positive energy for any politician thinking of challenging the governor. Various sources indicate that Gunn, who is in his third term as House speaker, has been considering whether to challenge Reeves in the 2023 Republican gubernatorial primary.
Gunn has refused to say what his plans are. If he was certain that he was running for reelection to his current House seat and then again to the speaker’s post, he would make that abundantly clear. Such an early proclamation most likely would head off any challenges for both his seat and for his speaker’s post. But Gunn has remained quiet on his future, leading to rampant speculation about who might be the future leader of the House.
Reeves, a first-term Republican governor, has consistently been near the bottom in terms of popularity in the ongoing Morning Consult polls.
Despite that, challenging the incumbent governor would be a daunting task. Reeves’ sizable campaign war chest makes him a formidable incumbent even if he is near the bottom in a poll of the nation’s governors.
There are at least four statewide officeholders who are or have considered challenging Reeves.
First-term Secretary of State Michael Watson, when recently asked about his political plans, deferred and said he had not made a decision. Sources close to Watson say he’s considering a 2023 bid against Reeves.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch, fresh off her successful effort in ending a national right to an abortion, might never be in a better position to run for governor. Mississippi Today reported earlier this year that Fitch, based on her advisers’ counsel, has considered challenging Reeves in 2023.
Both State Auditor Shad White and Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson are also said to have considered a gubernatorial bid as they’ve coursed their political futures.
The problem for any of these potential candidates in 2023, though, is that Reeves starts with a considerable advantage. The 48-year-old Reeves has been a statewide elected official for nearly all of his adult life: two terms as treasurer, two terms as lieutenant governor and now a first term as governor.
That might explain some of his unpopularity as reflected in the Morning Consult poll. He says he has not shied away from telling people no and thus creating enemies. But more than his willingness to say no, perhaps what might contribute to any unpopularity is the perception of an eagerness to go out of his way to find confrontation.
If nothing else, though, Reeves has name recognition that can be advantageous on an election ballot. Politicians who conduct polls are always surprised to learn of the number of Mississippians who do not know the speaker, secretary of state or other elected officials. But most do know the governor — especially one who has been on the statewide scene for two decades.
And more important than the name identification is Reeves’ huge cash advantage. He has never run a race where he did not have a sizable campaign cash advantage.
That will be the case in 2023. Based on the latest campaign finance reports, filed with the Secretary of State’s office in January, Reeves has cash on hand of about $5 million. On the other hand, Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, who is viewed as the Democratic favorite for governor should he choose to run, has $520,000. Reports are that Presley has had strong fundraising efforts this year that will not be reflected on his campaign finance report until January 2023.
Other statewide officials who might be viewed as possible challengers in a Republican primary are far behind Reeves in fundraising.
For example, as of January:
- Watson had $351,026.
- Fitch had $555,120.
- White had $603,353.
- Gipson had $87,800.
In terms of campaign cash, Gunn appears to be in the strongest position with $1 million. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann has $2.6 million, but has said he believes his current office is where he can have the greatest impact.
There will be three gubernatorial elections in 2023: Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky. Reeves and Democrat Andy Beshear in normally Republican-dominated Kentucky are the two incumbents eligible to seek reelection.
Beshear is among the top 10 most popular governors, according to the Morning Consult poll. But before people start arguing the poll has a partisan tilt, it should be pointed out that nine of the 10 most popular governors are Republican. And the three most popular represent states that generally are Democratic strongholds: Charlie Baker in Massachusetts, Phil Scott in Vermont and Larry Hogan in Maryland.
They all have reputations of not looking for fights.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Ole Miss women get pair of double-doubles and roll to 83-65 March Madness win over Ball State
SUMMARY: Mississippi coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin found solace in returning to a different arena in Waco, Texas, following a disappointing previous tournament experience. The No. 5 seed Ole Miss Rebels redeemed themselves with an 83-65 victory over 12th-seeded Ball State in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. Starr Jacobs led the Rebels with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kennedy Todd-Williams and Madison Scott each scored 15 points. Ole Miss dominated rebounding, leading 52-32, and will face fourth-seeded Baylor next. Coach McPhee-McCuin noted the team’s evolution since their last visit and the significance of playing in Texas, where Jacobs feels at home.
The post Ole Miss women get pair of double-doubles and roll to 83-65 March Madness win over Ball State appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 21-23
SUMMARY: This weekend (March 21-23), Mississippi offers a range of exciting events. Highlights include Hal’s Marching MALfunction Second Line Stomp and Jessie Robinson’s blues performance in Jackson, as well as the Natchez Food & Wine Festival and the Natchez Little Theatre’s production of *This Side of Crazy*. There are also numerous exhibitions like *Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South* in Jackson and *Gold in the Hills* in Vicksburg. Other events include the 48th Annual Crawfish Classic Tennis Tournament in Hattiesburg, karaoke nights in Laurel, and a variety of family-friendly activities across the state.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 21-23 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 14-16
SUMMARY: This weekend (March 14-16) in Mississippi offers a variety of events. In Jackson, iconic saxophonist Boney James performs at the convention center, while the JXN Food & Wine festival showcases culinary talents. The LeFleur Museum District hosts a “Week of Wonder,” and several exhibitions, including “Of Salt and Spirit,” celebrate Black quilters. Natchez features the Spring Pilgrimage tours, a reenactment of Annie Stewart’s story, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In Hattiesburg, comedian Rob Schneider performs, and various events like a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl and a talent show will take place throughout the area.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 14-16 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
-
Mississippi Today1 day ago
Pharmacy benefit manager reform likely dead
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed7 days ago
Severe storms will impact Alabama this weekend. Damaging winds, hail, and a tornado threat are al…
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed6 days ago
University of Alabama student detained by ICE moved to Louisiana
-
News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed5 days ago
Tornado watch, severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Oklahoma
-
News from the South - Virginia News Feed6 days ago
Youngkin removes Ellis, appoints Cuccinelli to UVa board | Virginia
-
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed7 days ago
A little early morning putting at the PGA Tour Superstore
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed5 days ago
Georgia road project forcing homeowners out | FOX 5 News
-
News from the South - North Carolina News Feed7 days ago
Artificial intelligence experiment begins in North Carolina treasurer’s office | North Carolina