In the final stretch of the 2023 Mississippi governor's race, Republican incumbent Tate Reeves has focused on stoking fear among voters, emphasizing the threat of "out-of-state liberals" and the need to protect "Mississippi values." Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Brandon Presley has pitched new ideas, including expanding Medicaid, addressing corruption in state government, and cutting taxes. Reeves has faced fundraising challenges and low popularity, while Presley has benefited from a coordinated get-out-the-vote effort. The outcome of the race remains uncertain, with the possibility of a runoff if neither candidate secures 50% of the vote.
Best-selling author John Grisham expressed optimism for Brandon Presley's bid for governor in Mississippi, stating that this year feels different from previous Democratic Party losses. Presley has raised $5 million more than incumbent Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, and polling suggests Reeves is struggling to reach the 50% mark. Both parties have launched extensive get-out-the-vote efforts, with Presley gaining grassroots support and the Democratic Party becoming more active. In the only debate between the candidates, Presley delivered sharper criticisms and was better prepared, leading to claims of victory. However, Presley still faces challenges, including a Republican Party machine that hasn't lost since 1999 and attack ads painting him as an out-of-touch liberal.
Democratic candidate Brandon Presley is gaining momentum in his bid to unseat Republican Governor Tate Reeves in the Mississippi governor's race. Presley has outraised Reeves in campaign funds and polls show the race is close. However, some Democratic consultants are cautious about the outcome, citing concerns about the lack of investment in the state party and the challenges facing Democrats in the current political environment. They also highlight the importance of Presley's efforts to win over Black voters.
Conservative voters in Mississippi are expressing frustration and distrust towards Republican Governor Tate Reeves ahead of the upcoming governor's race. Some voters feel that Reeves did not do enough to support conservative candidate Chris McDaniel in the Republican primary and reneged on his promise to let voters decide on changing the state flag. Additionally, voters find Reeves less likable compared to his Democratic challenger Brandon Presley. As a result, some conservative voters are considering staying home or even voting for Presley as a way to express their dissatisfaction with Reeves.
Several GOP consultants predict that Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves will likely face a gubernatorial runoff against his Democratic challenger Brandon Presley, as recent internal polls show Reeves polling below 50% and a significant number of voters remaining undecided or supporting independent candidate Gwendolyn Gray. While some consultants believe that Reeves may not win on the first ballot, others speculate that undecided voters will ultimately push him over the 50% mark. The possibility of a runoff has generated buzz among attendees at a political event, with Reeves hinting at the challenge of reaching 50% in his speech. Presley's absence at the event was seized upon by Reeves, who accused him of meeting with wealthy campaign donors.
Republican operatives in Mississippi are expressing concerns about Governor Tate Reeves' chances of winning re-election in the 2023 governor's race. They acknowledge that Democratic challenger Brandon Presley has run a strong campaign, gaining momentum and support. The operatives highlight Reeves' likability issues and the risk of low turnout among Republicans. Recent polls show the race tightening, with Presley out-raising Reeves and gaining ground. The Cook Political Report has shifted its forecast from "Likely Republican" to "Lean Republican," indicating a competitive fight. There is also the possibility of a runoff election if neither candidate reaches 50% of the vote.
A new poll released by the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) shows Republican incumbent Gov. Tate Reeves leading Democratic candidate Brandon Presley by just one point in the Mississippi governor's race. The poll indicates that both candidates are below the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff election. The DGA has invested a historic amount of money, $3.75 million, into Presley's campaign, helping him out-raise Reeves. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of the poll due to the DGA's affiliation with Presley's campaign. The poll was conducted by Public Policy Polling and surveyed 601 Mississippi voters, with a margin of error of 4%.
