"Trump, Biden Influence Mississippi's Competitive Governor Race Ahead of 2024"

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley is mounting a surprisingly strong challenge against incumbent GOP Gov. Tate Reeves in deep-red Mississippi. Presley, a distant cousin of Elvis Presley, is focusing on economic issues like expanding Medicaid benefits and distancing himself from the national Democratic Party. While Reeves is favored to win, Presley's campaign has gained momentum by appealing to moderate supporters of former President Donald Trump and increasing voter turnout among the state's large Black population. Although Mississippi is unlikely to become the next Georgia, Presley's competitive run signals a shift in the traditionally Republican stronghold.