Mississippi’s most prominent political stage will once again be filled with elected officials and candidates looking to make their case to voters during the 137th annual Neshoba County Fair.
The podium, situated beneath a wooden pavilion in Founder’s Square, gained national attention when Ronald Reagan delivered a speech there during the 1980 presidential campaign. In the decades since, the venue has become a proving ground for candidates seeking office at every level of government, often serving as a launching pad – or stumbling block – for political ambitions.
With the 2026 election cycle featuring congressional midterms, this year’s fair offers challengers a chance to connect with voters while incumbents remain in Washington as Congress conducts business. The event also provides an early look into the 2027 statewide election cycle, giving fairgoers an opportunity to hear from current officeholders who may be considering bids for higher office.
Political speaking is scheduled for the mornings of Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Invitations are extended to Mississippi’s statewide elected officials, candidates seeking statewide office, and elected officials and candidates who districts include Neshoba County.
Wednesday, June 24
- 9:30 a.m. — Lane Taylor (R), state senator, District 18
- 9:40 a.m. — Michael Chiaradino (D), candidate for U.S. House, Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District
- 9:50 a.m. — Ty Pinkins (Ind.), candidate for U.S. Senate
- 10 a.m. — Scott Colom (D), candidate for U.S. Senate
- 10:10 a.m. — Break
- 10:20 a.m. — David McRae (R), state treasurer
- 10:30 a.m. — Lynn Fitch (R), attorney general
- 10:40 a.m. — Delbert Hosemann (R), lieutenant governor
Thursday, June 25
- 9 a.m. — Scott Bounds (R), state representative, District 44
- 9:10 a.m. — DeKeither Stamps (D), public service commissioner, Central District
- 9:20 a.m. — Willie Simmons (D), transportation commissioner, Central District
- 9:30 a.m. — Jenifer Branning, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 3
- 9:40 a.m. — Kenny Griffis, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 1
- 9:50 a.m. — Break
- 10 a.m. — Andy Gipson (R), commissioner of agriculture and commerce
- 10:10 a.m. — Michael Watson (R), secretary of state
- 10:20 a.m. — Jason White (R), speaker of the Mississippi House
- 10:30 a.m. — Tate Reeves (R), governor
Republican State Auditor Shad White will not attend the fair due to military obligations. White serves as an officer in the Mississippi National Guard.
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, both Republicans seeking reelection in 2026, will remain in Washington and not participate in political speaking at the Neshoba County Fair.