Elvis Presley's cousin lifts Democrats' hopes in Mississippi governor's race

EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS and SARA BURNETT
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FILE - Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves addresses supporters at a rally in Richland, Miss., on May 3, 2023. Reeves is seeking reelection to a second term. and faces two opponents in his party's primary in August. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

Conservative Mississippi is tough territory for Democrats, but the party sees an unusual opportunity this year to unseat first-term Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. Democrat Brandon Presley is a second cousin of Elvis Presley, born a few days before the rock 'n' roll legend died. While campaigning, Brandon Presley talks frequently about government corruption, focusing on a multimillion-dollar welfare scandal that developed when Reeves was lieutenant governor.