Gov. Phil Bryant visited Meridian Wednesday to stump for Court of Appeals Judge Jack Wilson ahead of next Tuesday’s election, but also took time to discuss the economic development in East Mississippi.

Bryant said Raytheon’s recent proposal to build the T-100 Integrated Air Training System, a proposed training jet for the U.S. Air Force in Meridian, is just one example of how the region’s leadership in Jackson has influenced business.

“Rep. (Greg) Snowden is the No 2 person in the House and Sen. (Terry) Burton (Newton) is the No. 2 person in the Senate. It’s rare to see that type of influence at the capitol. The T-100 is a remarkable thing. I see the Mississippi Development Authority has a closer relationship with Meridian and Lauderdale County because the No. 1 advanced manufacturing facility will be located here in Meridian.”

Bryant also lauded the MSU-Riley Center and the Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience, which is under construction on Front Street.

“The Arts & Entertainment Center will be the center of tourism for the entire south,” Bryant said. “It was something I was a part of when I was lieutenant governor. That is going to be a dynamic arts center that people from all over will come to. It will have a recording studio in it. That’s a game changer for a creative economy that now exists in Meridian.”

Bryant made remarks at Dumont Plaza supporting Wilson, before eating lunch at Jean’s Restaurant.

His appearance drew a number of local and state elected officials, including Mississippi House of Rep. Speaker Pro Tem Greg Snowden, of Meridian, who represents District 83; Rep. William Shirley, of Quitman, District 4; Lauderdale County Administrator Chris Lafferty and District 1 Supervisor Jonathan Wells, District 5 Supervisor Kyle Rutledge and Sheriff Billy Sollie. State Republican Chairman Joe Nosef also campaigned on Wilson’s behalf.

“I wanted a judge who knows the law and will rule with empathy,” Bryant said. “People like Jack Wilson will make sure law enforcement officials are protected.”