The Mississippi State Capitol

GOVERNOR

Robert Foster

Residence: Hernando.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: Hernando High School and University of Mississippi

Work experience: Business owner and farmer.

Public offices held: State Representative for District 28, four years.

Why are you running: I’m running for governor because I believe all Mississippians share these common goals. Like so many of you, I love Mississippi. I believe, with my vision and your help, we can make our state an even better place to live, work, and call home.

Why are you a good candidate: I believe my background is what sets me apart from other candidates. I’m not a career politician, waiting to be the “next guy in line.” Nor do I need a career – I already have one. I’m a Christian, an outsider, a farmer, a small businessman, a husband, and a father. I’ve learned what it takes to run a business, meet payroll in a recession, the value of signing the front of a paycheck, and the cost of over-taxation and over-regulation on a small business.

Contact: facebook.com/foster4ms; Twitter @RobertFoster4MS; www.governor.ms.

Jim Hood

Residence: Houston, Chickasaw County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: University of Mississippi, bachelor’s degree; University of Mississippi, Juris Doctor.

Work experience: Attorney General of Mississippi; served as a law clerk with the Mississippi Supreme Court, an Assistant Attorney General, and a District Attorney for seven counties in Northeast Mississippi.

Public offices held: District Attorney for eight years in Northeast Mississippi. Attorney General of Mississippi for 15 years.

Why are you running: I’m running for governor because the working people of Mississippi have been kicked to the curb. My campaign is about putting hard working families first.

Why are you a good candidate: As attorney general, I’ve held behemoth multi-national corporations accountable for their wrongdoing. My office has recovered over $3 billion for Mississippi taxpayers. Everything I’ve done as AG I’ve had the interests of working people in mind. As governor, I will wake up every morning thinking about what I can do to improve the lives of working people in Mississippi. Our education system has declined. Our kids are leaving at an alarming rate, more so than any state in the nation. Over 500 bridges are closed. Our rural hospitals are closing. It’s time for a change.

Contact: www.HoodforGovernor.com, phone 601-321-9157, email info@hoodforgovernor.com.

Robert J. Ray

Residence: Meridian.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: T.J. Harris High School.

Work experience: Alcohol and drug counselor; therapist and leader of trainers for 43 years; writer and president of the Mississippi Writer’s Guild.

Why are you running: Inspired by my personal relationship to the Mississippi Burning civil rights workers and being asked to run by friends and family I have decided to run for governor to expose the corruption in the prison system and in the state Capitol. It is time for a breath of fresh air and to move on.

Why are you a good candidate: My first priority is the Mississippi Department Of Corrections, the prison problem: MDOC has been lied about, stolen from, beaten down with no sensible solution in sight and we feed it, with no results; killing more people, causing painful mental estrangement from family, and of course life itself. Have worked in the system and have a proven process to reduce the prison population. In addition have a solid plan to fix the heathcare system. We will involve the youth in this huge endeavor. It is a proven workable process and will fix the problems.

Contact: Facebook: Robert J. Ray for Governor of Mississippi.

Tate Reeves

Residence: Rankin County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: Florence High School, Millsaps College.

Work experience: Financial Management, State Treasurer, Lt. Governor.

Public offices: State Treasurer 2004-2012, Lt. Governor 2012-2020.

Why are you running: Mississippi is on the rise with conservative leadership. I am running to protect our conservative values and keep our state growing in the right direction.

Why are you a good candidate: As a conservative, I believe in small government and preserving the values that have made our state great. I will fight for Mississippi and work to make our state an even better place to raise a family. I will stand with the president and conservative leaders to make our state even stronger. Quality education, more jobs, and safer communities. Those will be my focus every day.

Contact: www.TateReeves.com.

Bill Waller Jr.

Residence: Jackson.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: BA from Mississippi State University, JD from University of Mississippi.

Work experience: Practiced law at Waller and Waller for over 20 years. Elected to the Mississippi Supreme Court, beginning in 1998, served 21 years include 10 years as Chief Justice.

Public offices held: Mississippi Supreme Court 1998-2019

Why are you running: I’m offering ideas and solutions to the big issues facing Mississippi, like roads and bridges, healthcare and education, because ignoring problems won’t solve anything.

Why are you a good candidate: My experience as a brigadier general in the National Guard, combined with 21 years defending our constitution and our conservative values while serving as a Mississippi Supreme Court justice, gives me the leadership our state desperately needs right now. I’m ready to tackle the tough challenges we face in Mississippi with new ideas and solutions, and a willingness to work with people to get things done. I’m the conservative Republican who can win in November.

Contact: www.billwallerjr.com info@billwallerjr.com, 601-352-6556.

Velesha P. Williams

Residence: Madison County.

Party affiliation: Democratic.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: Bachelor of science 1983 criminal justice and master of arts 1996 criminology and justice services, Jackson State University.

Work experience: Served in the United States Army as a commissioned officer (active duty). Service included but was not limited to: Platoon Leader and Female Basketball Coach, Aschaffenburg, Germany; Project Officer and Company Commander, Aberdeen Maryland; and Assistant Division Chief and the Acting Inspector General, Texarkana, Texas. Following military service, taught second and fourth grade in the Jackson Public School District (limited service) until accepting a position with Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition an entity of Jackson State University in 1996. While at Jackson State University served as director of MJCPC, interim director of the Mississippi Urban Research Center, and principal investigator for numerous federal and state funded programs. Millions of dollars in grant funding was generated for the University. Retired from Jackson State University June 30, 2016.

Why are you running: I am running in obedience to God’s purpose for my life and for Mississippians. Regardless of political affiliation, we all can agree, Mississippi can be better, and Mississippians deserves better.

Why are you a good candidate: Not tarnished by the pretentious nature of politics, I will fight for all Mississippians. According to U.S. News & World Report Mississippi ranks 50th in healthcare, 46th in education, 48th in economy, 49th in opportunities, 49th in infrastructure, and 45th in fiscal stability. Twenty-seven percent of our population live below the poverty level. Simply put, our elected officials have failed us. We can put the leadership of this state in the hands of a person who genuinely cares about the people and our quality of life. I am committed to be that person. I will respect your vote and be your voice! 

Contact: www.veleshapwilliams4gov.com, Email: vpwilliams4gov@yahoo.com. Phone: 769-666-1743, and Facebook: Velesha P. Williams.

Albert Wilson

Residence: Jackson City, Hinds County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Governor.

Education: Bachelor of science, Jackson State University; Pursuing: Master of Education, Mississippi College 2020.

Work experience: Businessman and community organizer who believes in justice, inclusion, fairness, peace, and equality for all. Humble leader of Genesis and Light Community Center, working with 10 staff members, 13 AmeriCorps VISTA Associates, and hundreds of volunteers. The organization’s purpose is to improve the quality of life of economically disadvantaged families, senior citizens, veterans and military family members.  

Why are you running: Mississippi ranks 49th in all quality of living metrics of growth. I am running to bring real solutions to real problems that are threatening our state. I want to give back by strengthening and growing the workforce, thereby increasing opportunities for all, and by rebuilding the languishing Mississippi infrastructure.

Why are you a good candidate: For over 25 years, I have given voice to the voiceless, help to the helpless, defense to needy, and encouragement to the discouraged. My personal commitment to break the cycle of poverty, violence, and helplessness, marks every aspect of my work. I have successfully managed fundraising events, written grant proposals, created budgets, and built partnerships which has enabled my center – Genesis and Light – to continue providing positive influences in our state. 

Contact: Facebook campaign page: www.facebook.com/wilsonforgov; Twitter: @wilsonforgov Instagram: www.instagram.com/wilsonforgov/ Phone: 601-594-9366;  P.O Box 31962, Jackson, MS 39286.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Delbert Hosemann

Residence: Jackson.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Lieutenant Governor.

Education: Undergraduate degree in business from Notre Dame, law degree from Ole Miss, and Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University.

Work experience: 35 years in the private sector as a businessman and tax lawyer; elected in 2007 as Secretary of State (currently in third term)

Public offices held: Elected in 2007 as Secretary of State (currently in third term)

Why are you running: I want to make Mississippi a better place for our children and grandchildren by increasing access to a quality education and healthcare, and improving infrastructure.

Why are you a good candidate: As Secretary of State, I have a record of successfully navigating significant policy issues, supporting the passage of legislation, and bringing all to the table to use collective intellect to solve a problem. When I make a promise to voters, I keep it. With your help, and by applying the same principles of commitment to this new role, I believe we can make a difference in our great State together from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.

Contact: www.delberthosemann.com; delbert@delberthosemann.com; 601-862-1821.

Jay Hughes

Residence: Oxford, Lafayette County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Lieutenant Governor.

Education: I was educated in public school, attended Nicholls State University for my undergraduate degree, and then the University of Mississippi for Law School.

Work experience: Started with paper route at 10, cutting lawns, cleaning mortar off of old bricks, bag boy and cashier, busboy, waiter, U. S. Army active duty, night security guard, painter, construction, real estate attorney, volunteer in our local schools.

Public offices held: Oxford Board of Alderman, 2013-2015. Mississippi House of Representatives: 2016-2019.

Why are you running: I’m running because I believe in the future of Mississippi as a place where each and every resident can receive not just adequate, but an exceptional education, access to health care in every community, and great roads and bridges, that together all attract and improve our jobs and economy.

Why are you a good candidate: I’m authentic, passionate, transparent and tireless. Having been born into a poor family and worked through many struggles to be a successful business owner, I have a lifetime of real experiences that make me uniquely qualified to understand and represent all Mississippians and create real jobs and better public schools. While other candidates conduct surveys and polls, my career in private business has allowed me to experience, first-hand, the real needs of Mississippi employees and employers. I invite you to challenge the status quo of divisive party politics in voting for the person and the platform, not the party.

Contact: 662-816-2888 or jay@jayformississippi.com/

Shane Quick

Residence: Lake Cormorant, DeSoto County

Party: Republican

Office sought: Lieutenant Governor.

Education: Horn Lake High School, Associate’s degree in Cardiovascular Technology, Nursing education initiated and cut short from sentinel event involving a mandatory influenza vaccine for clinical rotation resulting in hearing loss that prevents use of stethoscope for nursing licensure requirements.

Work experience: In addition to aforementioned Cardio Tech education, I have some residual education from having started nursing school. After receiving the previously mentioned education, I went to work in a dialysis clinic and learned how it works and related to the cardiovascular side of care. I have worked in a large hospital setting for 15+ years, now in a highly mobile position that has allowed me observational knowledge of a multitude of professionals in Radiology, Respiratory, Rehab etc. 

All the while, in my off day life I have lived on/worked on a farm all of my life. Hay, cattle, & land management have made up most of that experience. I bale hay annually both square and round. I have many do it yourself/get by skills in the arena of mechanic work, cut & weld work, fencing, and various other things. At one point I driven a commercially licensed vehicle and got to experience a spell of what its like to shift gears for a living.

Also at one point, I had worked in a semi shop and in construction. While none of this is what I do for a profession, it is what ties me to the working life of many constituents because I can do or relate to what they do 40 hours a week.

Public office experience: None

Why I am running: To bring a clinically educated, calloused hands approach to being sure laws and bill do not come to pass that will hurt the common Mississippian. Also, to help pass legislation that WILL benefit the common Mississippian.

Why are you a good candidate:

I earn income comparable to most Mississippians so my fiscal outlook is similar. I can relate to their work and trades, as well subject to treading the same legal system and laws. I have a fly on the wall view of healthcare and have insight into reforming it in a way that works. I want to help release the stranglehold of special interest and lobbyist money that makes RINOs out of Republicans and usurps the will of the People every single legislative session. I am about the message, not the money.

Contact: Facebook QuickforMississippi and twitter Shane Quick @shanequick4MS.

SECRETARY OF STATE

Sam Britton

Residence: Laurel.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Secretary of State.

Education: Jones County Junior College before attending the University of Southern Mississippi where achieved a business and accounting degree.

Work experience: Thirty years of experience in the financial and accounting sectors.

Public offices held: Public Service Commissioner.

Why are you running:  I believe in a stronger Mississippi through a conservative, pro-business vision. By reducing regulations we let businesses, particularly small, local businesses, to concentrate on what is most important: running their business and creating jobs.

Why are you a good candidate: I’m a conservative outsider from rural Mississippi. I want to use my experience as a successful businessman to get government out of our way, enact policies to grow incomes for all Mississippians and ensure our elections remain open and free. I endorsed Pres Trump early in the presidential primary and I’ll be an ally he can count on.

Contact: Facebook www.facebook.com/SamBrittonMS/ or website www.sambritton.com.

Johnny DuPree

Residence: Hattiesburg.

Party affiliation: Democrat.

Office sought: Secretary of State.

Education: I am a proud graduate of Jones County Junior College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University, where I received my doctorate in urban studies.

Work experience: I received my Mississippi Real Estate Brokers license in 1988, and I operate Johnny DuPree Realty. My family also operates DuPree Transportation, LLC and DuPree Consulting, LLC. Outside of work, I also volunteer with the Boy Scouts Pine Burr Area Council and D.R.E.A.M. of Hattiesburg.

Public offices held: I have served in several public service positions, including a member of the Hattiesburg School Board of Trustees, a member of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, and as mayor of the city of Hattiesburg. I am honored to have served as the first African American and the longest serving mayor of Hattiesburg. I am also honored to have been elected as the Democratic nominee for governor of Mississippi in the 2011 state elections.

Why are you running: I am running to be Mississippi’s next Secretary of State to increase voter education, voter engagement and voter participation through reforms that will promote accessibility.

Why are you a good candidate: I feel that I am the best candidate for this position because I believe in leaving things better than I found them. As a state, I feel we have become complacent with being at the bottom of every list. However, now is the time to elect a leader to encourage this generation to break those statistics. As Secretary of State, I promise to work tirelessly to create avenues for a better Mississippi

Contact: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at Johnny DuPree, visit johnnydupree.com, or email jdinfo@johnnydupree.com

Michael Watson

Residence: Jackson County.

Party: Republican.

Office Sought: Secretary of State.

Employment: Attorney/State Senator.

Education: Pascagoula High School, University of Mississippi, University of Mississippi Law School.

Work experience: I’ve been practicing law for over 15 years, and my wife and I run a small business here on the Coast.

Public offices held: Mississippi State Senator, District 51 (2007-Present).

Why are you running: As a lifelong Mississippian and the proud father of three young girls, my reason for running is simple – I want to make Mississippi a better place for my family and every other family in our great state.

Why are you a good candidate: As a State Senator, I have experience dealing with two of the biggest roles of the Secretary of State’s office – securing our elections and supporting Mississippi businesses. I’ve been a leader on these issues in the legislature, and I bring experience and proven conservative values to the table. It’s important that Mississippians elect someone who will continue to fight for them, and I believe my conservative record makes me the best candidate for the job.

Contact: Website, www.michaelwatson.ms. If you want to reach out with a specific question, you can email me at michael@michaelwatson.ms. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Mark Baker

Residence: Brandon, Rankin County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Attorney General.

Education: BA in Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis and JD from Mississippi College School of Law.

Work experience: 30 years as a practicing attorney, Board Attorney for Brandon, Town Attorney for Puckett, former Municipal Judge for Pelahatchie in Rankin County. 16 years in the Mississippi House of Representatives, Republican Leader in the MS House from 2007-2011, eight years as chairman of the House Judiciary En Banc Committee,

Offices held: 16 years in the Mississippi House of Representatives, Republican Leader in the MS House from 2007-2011, eight years as chairman of the House Judiciary En Banc Committee

Why are you running: Mississippians deserve an attorney general with a record of supporting law enforcement, prosecuting criminals, standing up against special interests, and making our state safer and more job friendly.

Why are you a good candidate: I am a conservative who will partner with the Trump administration to take on issues like illegal immigration, will fight political favoritism and corruption, will work to create better legal environment in Mississippi and will defend the rights of the unborn, our Second Amendment rights and our religious freedoms. President Reagan said “Trust, but verify.” I have a 16 year record voters can verify and the support of law enforcement and Sheriffs all over Mississippi.

Contact: Mark@MarkBakerForMS.com, 601-214-7455, www.MarkBakerForMS.com.

Lynn Fitch

Residence: Madison County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Attorney General.

Education: Juris Doctor University of Mississippi; Bachelors of Business Administration University of Mississippi.

Work Experience: Mississippi State Treasurer; Executive Director, Mississippi State Personnel Board; Deputy Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Employment Security;  Counsel, McGlinchey Stafford Law; Counsel, Holcomb Dunbar Law; Counsel, Mississippi House of Representatives; Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Mississippi.

Public offices held: State treasurer, elected in 2011 and in 2015.

Why are you running: With 34 years of prosecuting, litigating, and running complex state agencies, I have the skills and experience to serve as managing partner for Mississippi’s law firm, ready to lead on Day One.

Why are you a good candidate: I am the only candidate with experience working at the Attorney General’s Office. I am ready to build the coalitions necessary to fight the opioid crisis, put an end to human trafficking in Mississippi, and protect Mississippians from those who would prey on veterans and our most vulnerable – seniors, children, and the mentally ill. I am a solution-driven conservative who builds partnerships to achieve greater results for the people. I want to apply that same collaborative approach as Attorney General to serve you.

Contact:  www.LynnFitchforMS.com; social media: www.facebook.com/LynnFitchforMS, www.twitter.com/LynnFitchforMS, www.instagram.com/lynnfitchms.

Email: lynnfitchnews@gmail.com.

Jennifer Riley Collins

Residence: Clinton, Hinds County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Mississippi Attorney General.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, political science, magna cum laude, Alcorn State University; Master degree, criminal justice administration, Central Texas College; doctor of jurisprudence,  Mississippi College School of Law. I have also earned 12 hours toward a masters of international relations from the Naval War College.

Work experience: I served a total of 32 years in the United States Army. I started out at the rank of private then served the last 30 years of service as a military intelligence officer. I served on active duty, in the National Guard and the U S Army Reserves. I retired June 2017. My assignments have included Counter Intelligence Platoon Leader, Special Security Detachment Commander, Battalion Intelligence and Security Officer, Brigade Intelligence and Security Officer, Command Inspector General, and Battalion Commander of a Strategic Intelligence Unit supporting the Defense Intelligence Agency. My final assignment was as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at the Pentagon.

I have been a practicing Attorney for almost 20 years in Mississippi. My legal experience includes criminal law, medical malpractice and pharmaceutical litigation, constitutional and civil rights law and policy advocacy. I have worked with the State Legislature as well as several courts, agencies and various jurisdictions ensuring laws, policies, and regulations align with constitutional rights and are equally applied.

Why are you running: My entire life has focused on serving and protecting. This is an opportunity to continue a lifetime of service and protection. The people of Mississippi deserve to have someone who has demonstrated that they are a priority and who has shown she is willing to sacrifice all for All. This race for me is not about politics, it is about purpose.

Why are you a good candidate:  Despite growing up next to the railroad track as the baby of the seven children of Joe and Bobbye Riley, a truck driver and a maid, I have been privileged. I was privileged to grow up with both my parents who demonstrated a strong work ethic and who valued education. These teachings led to my ability to receive a merit based full academic scholarship to Alcorn State University. Privileged with education, I was afforded the honor to serve this nation as an Intelligence Officer for 32 years, serving on both active and reserve duty. I recognize that with privilege comes responsibility. I have, therefore, dedicated my life to protecting Mississippians and fighting for justice. My legal career has put me on the frontlines fighting for criminal justice reform, juvenile justice, for the impoverished, and voting rights.

Contact: www.jenniferforag.com; Contact@jenniferforag.com.

Andy Taggart

Residence: Madison County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Attorney General.

Education: Juris Doctor cum laude from Tulane University in 1984. BA in political science with high honors and distinction, Mississippi College, in 1979.

Work experience: Began practicing law in 1985. When asked to serve as chief of staff to Gov. Kirk Fordice, left law practice in 1991 and served in that capacity until 1994. Elected to a term of service on the Madison County Board of Supervisors, beginning a four-year term in 2003. Elected president of the Board in January 2007. Served as a member of the Mississippi Advisory Committee to the United States Civil Rights Commission from 1988 to 1993, served as the executive director of the Mississippi Republican Party in 1984, and as the political director of the Mississippi Republican Party in 1980 and 1981.

Served during the 1990s as an adjunct professor of history and political science at Mississippi College. Serving on the Board of Trustees of Mississippi College, chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee. Served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of FamilyNet, Inc., the television and radio broadcasting subsidiary of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Served four years as a gubernatorial appointee to the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Public offices held: Chief of staff and counsel to Gov. Kirk Fordice, 1992-1994; member, Madison County Board of Supervisors, 2004-2008 president, Madison County Board of Supervisors, 2007.

Why are you running: I believe that the greatest earthly danger facing our young people is the scourge of illegal drugs. The resources of the top law enforcement official in the state ought to be focused on fighting that fight. As an active courtroom lawyer for over 30 years, I have the skills and experience needed to represent the people of Mississippi in that fight.

Why are you a good candidate:  After the loss of our son due to a year of illicit drug use, my wife Karen and I determined to carry the fight against the scourge of drugs and the message of redemption of victims across our state. The best way to continue that fight is as attorney general. In addition, as a lifelong sportsman and life member of the NRA, I am devoted to protecting our Second Amendment freedoms. Finally, I have the experience to act as Mississippi’s next top lawyer because I have served in an almost identical role as the attorney general for multiple statewide officials and have over 30 years of active courtroom experience.

Contact: campaign@andyforag.com; andyforag.com;  601-499-1995; Twitter @Andy_for_AG;  FB: Andy Taggart for Attorney General Instagram: andy_for_ag.