JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi’s Republican Governor, Tate Reeves, and his Democratic challenger, Brandon Presley, are set to engage in their only debate tonight, marking the culmination of an intense campaign, just six days before the November 7th general election.
These two candidates have put forth distinctly different plans for governing Mississippi, a traditionally conservative state that has grappled with poverty. Republicans have maintained control of the governor’s office for the past two decades.
Presley advocates for expanding Medicaid to cover individuals with modest incomes who lack health insurance through their employment. However, Reeves opposes this move, citing concerns about adding a large number of people to what he considers a “welfare” program.
Reeves takes pride in implementing some of the state’s most substantial tax cuts during his tenure, and he aims to completely eliminate the state income tax. Meanwhile, Presley seeks to lower license plate fees and reduce Mississippi’s 7% sales tax on groceries, which currently holds the highest rate in the nation.
As per finance reports filed on Tuesday, Presley has raised $11.3 million for his campaign this year, compared to Reeves’ $6.3 million. However, it’s worth noting that Reeves began the year with more funds. Presley has spent $10.8 million but still retains $1.3 million, while Reeves has spent $11 million and has $1.2 million remaining.
Both candidates have made separate appearances at some common events, such as the Mississippi Economic Council’s Hobnob social gathering in Jackson last week.
Presley had called for five debates, including one sponsored by the NAACP in Gulfport last month, but Reeves only agreed to a single debate. The debate is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. CDT on WAPT-TV and Mississippi Public Broadcasting, both aired from Jackson.
“I think we could have had a much more robust campaign on the issues out there, had the voters been able to see us five times between Oct. 1 and Election Day,” Presley exclaimed after the Hobnob event. “But it’s obvious the governor chickened out of doing those debates.”
When questioned during a September news conference, Reeves replied, “I’m positive we will have debates. We’ve always had debates.”
Last week in Columbus, Reeves was asked by The Associated Press about the contrast between his previous statement of multiple debates and his agreement to only one. Reeves jokingly responded, “Y’all must be English teachers. Look, this is what the two campaigns have agreed to. I am eager to discuss the issues that matter to Mississippi.”
During the 2019 gubernatorial campaign, Reeves participated in two debates with Democratic nominee Jim Hood. Reeves was completing his second term as lieutenant governor after serving two terms as state treasurer, while Hood was concluding his fourth term as attorney general.
Presley, a fourth-term elected member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities, is known for being a second cousin of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. He previously served as the mayor of Nettleton.
