The 2027 gubernatorial primary elections will occur Aug. 3, with the general election taking place Nov. 2. Other notable names circulating as possible GOP candidates are Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, State Auditor Shad White, and business tycoon Tommy Duff.
Another name has entered the race for Mississippi’s next governor.
After falling short in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate earlier this year, Priscilla Till has thrown her hat in the ring for Mississippi’s governorship.
The educator and civil rights advocate is the cousin of Emmitt Till, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago who was kidnapped and murdered in Mississippi in 1955, which inspired her to found the Emmett Till Justice for Families Foundation to seek accountability and healing for Black families and individuals.
Throughout her career, Till has emphasized her focus on the people of Mississippi and on helping them reach a brighter future, her campaign website notes. A graduate of Jackson State University and Belhaven University, Till has more than two decades of experience serving Mississippians in education, public health, and community advocacy. Her career spans roles from a special needs and sociology teacher at Murrah High School to Mississippi’s state lead investigator for Black Lawyers for Justice.
If elected, Till plans to use her experience to continue to focus on her civil rights efforts, expanding access to healthcare and Medicaid, educational opportunities, and more.
“I am running for Governor because every Mississippian deserves fairness, opportunity, and justice,” Till wrote on her campaign website. “I will champion livable wages, biweekly payroll, stronger educational opportunities, and economic mobility for working families. I will also advocate for independent oversight of law enforcement and public safety agencies to promote transparency, accountability, and safer communities.”
So far, Till is the only Democratic candidate to announce a run for governor. She joins Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson and former Speaker of the House Philip Gunn in looking to be Gov. Tate Reeves’ successor.