Democratic nominee Shuwaski Young to withdraw from Mississippi Secretary of State race
Shuwaski Young, the Democratic nominee for Mississippi Secretary of State, announced Sunday that he will withdraw from the race, citing medical concerns.
In a news release, Young said he recently suffered a hypertensive crisis, the medical term for a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, and although he attempted to continue the campaign he ultimately decided to walk away.
"Recently, I suffered a hypertensive crisis which placed an immediate and continuous challenge on my ability to campaign for the Office of Secretary of State," Young said in the release. "My intent was to press forward knowing full-well the risk being placed on my health due to a rigorous campaign schedule. I can no longer take this risk."
According to Mississippi election code, Young will need to file an affidavit with the State Board of Election Commissioners explaining his intention to withdraw due to medical reasons. The law allows candidates to withdraw for "reasons of health, which shall include any health condition, which, in the written opinion of a medical doctor, would be harmful to the health of the candidate if he or she continued," among other "legitimate nonpolitical" reasons.
If the election commissioners approve Young's withdrawal, the state Democratic Party Executive Committee will be allowed to appoint someone as a substitute to appear on the ballot in November against incumbent Republican Michael Watson. Young was unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Young, a Neshoba County native and former staffer within the secretary of state's office and the federal Department of Homeland Security, had pushed in recent weeks for debates to be held between Watson and himself. Watson never addressed Young's challenges. Watson did agree to an Oct. 2 candidate forum hosted by the Stennis-Capitol Press Forum, as did Young.
Young had based his candidacy on increasing voter participation and access and on modernizing the office and the scope of its online resources.
"I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of statewide support I have received throughout this campaign," Young said in the news release.
The announcement led to bipartisan signs of support from other candidates, including Young's now-former opponent.
"I appreciate Shuwaski Young’s willingness to serve and will pray for a speedy recovery," Watson said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The two top candidates in the gubernatorial race also weighed in on X.
Republican incumbent Tate Reeves said he was "sorry to learn of the recent health challenges of" Young, and that he and First Lady Elee Reeves "are praying for a full recovery for Mr. Young and wish him well."
Democratic challenger Brandon Presley also said his wife and he were keeping Young in their prayers.
"I’m so sorry — Katelyn and I are keeping you and your recovery in our prayers. Thank you for all your dedication and effort on the trail," Presley said on X.
Young did not respond to requests for additional comment Sunday.
The general election will be held Nov. 7.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Shuwaski Young steps down in challenge to incumbent SOS Michael Watson
