Gov. Reeves touts record in victory speech. See what he said

Gov. Tate Reeves handily fended off challenges from fellow Republicans John Witcher and David Hardigree to win the Republican Primary on Tuesday with roughly 75% of the vote.

Reeves told an enthusiastic crowd of supporters gathered Tuesday night at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson that he has worked hard “to be a governor for all Mississippians.”

He said it is his mission to “leave the state better than I found it” and touted higher teacher pay, a stronger economy, infrastructure improvements, tax cuts and his leadership in the face of adversity as being some of his top accomplishments.

Thanking his wife, Elee, for standing by him throughout the campaign, he said, “There is no one else I would rather have by my side.” He thanked all the supporters “who have prayed for us” and described Mississippians as “the best people in the world.”

Reeves said, “I am proud to tell you Mississippi is last no more and will be last never again.” He described progress in the state as now made it “the envy of the nation.”

He also pledged, if reelected, to eliminate the state’s income tax, saying it put Mississippi at a disadvantage over Texas and some other states.

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Despite that, he said personal income in the state is up 30% and new business investment is at a record high, “bringing good jobs” to Mississippi workers.

He also touted his support of the newly expanded Capitol Police force and their effort to “make our Capital City safer.” He touted higher student test scored and the role of Mississippi teachers, and said “as long as I am governor I will continue to invest in our schools.”

Reeves will now advance to the general election on Nov. 7 where he will face Democratic challenger Brandon Presley for the governor’s seat. Presley currently serves as Mississippi’s Northern District Public Service Commissioner.

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Of his opponent, Reeves said Presley “owes national Democratic party bosses,” who he said have donated some $1 million to the Presley campaign.

“Most of these clowns have never set foot on Mississippi soil,” Reeves said.

Linking Presley to U.S. President Joe Biden and Second District Mississippi U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, Reeves said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are not going to let Biden, Bennie and Brandon run our lives.”

He said if Presley had been governor the past four years Mississippi would “look a lot more like California and New York and less like the beacon of freedom we have become.”

Quoting an often repeated campaign slogan, Reeves told the audience “Mississippi has the momentum and this is Mississippi’s time.”

The governor was introduced Tuesday night by his brother, Todd Reeves, who said “Tate has done exactly what he promised. He has taken care of the people of Mississippi.”

He predicted in the coming months “you will hear some terrible lies about Tate and our family,” but added, “I am proud to have been taught to keep God first in all we do.” Quoting from a song, he said, “Around here, we take care of our own and right now I want to introduce you to one of our own -- Gov. Tate Reeves” as supporters cheered.

Also speaking at the event was Mississippi Treasurer David McRae, who said, “It is going to be a great night for the Republican Party.”

Pointing to some “contentious” races down ballot, he said, “after tonight we are all Republicans, and we are going to get along.” He said, “there will not be one single Democrat in state government as long as we are in charge.”

Several attendees Tuesday night echoed their support for the incumbent governor. Joan Fabbri, a member of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, called Gov. Reeves, “a devoted husband and father.” She said, “his values and principles are aligned with the values and principles of Mississippi -- I respect that.”

Harold Weess, a retired Trustmark employee, said he has known the Reeves family since Tate was only a child.

“I think he has done a wonderful job. He will do what he thinks is right and not be dictated to by others,” Weess said. “He is a brilliant person.”

The governor’s father, Terry Reeves, was also on hand to wish his son well in the campaign.

“All they have to do is look at his record and what he has done for the state,” the elder Reeves said. Citing improvements in education and the economy as examples, he called the progress achieved in Mississippi under Gov. Reeves “incredible.”

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS Gov. Reeves touts record in victory speech. See what he said