Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is nearing the end of his term as Mississippi’s second-in-command, and with a gubernatorial election on the horizon, he’s having to mull his future in politics.
Hosemann has insisted that he’s considering a run for governor in years past but has not committed to tossing his hat in the ring, though he’s admitted that the window for an announcement will soon close. In an interview on Mornings with Richard Cross, Hosemann noted that his decision will be made soon, adding that prospective voters have expressed confidence in his leadership.
“Time is ticking now, and we’re going to have to make a decision one way or the other,” Hosemann said. “I’ve been really pleased. As I go out across Mississippi, people seem to think we’re doing a pretty good job — at least most of them.”
Hosemann, 78, has climbed the political ranks, first being elected secretary of state in 2007, becoming the first Republican to assume the position in 130 years. He ran for reelection twice, winning both times, and boasted that strengthening Mississippi’s voter ID laws was his greatest accomplishment in that office.
During the 2019 statewide election cycle, Hosemann announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor, where he cruised to victory. He was challenged by conservative firebrand Chris McDaniel in what was a contentious 2023 Republican primary, but ended up winning the race with the support of more than 52% of GOP voters. He went on to win the general election in a landslide.
As lieutenant governor, Hosemann touts the strides Mississippi has made fiscally and educationally, coining the phrase that the state is in the “best financial shape” it’s ever been in and that, under his leadership, lawmakers have invested heavily in the classroom. Hosemann has highlighted the role he plays in presiding over the state Senate in moving teacher pay raise bills across the finish line and making historic investments in infrastructure, along with cuts to residents’ taxes.
Hosemann, assured that he has been a dutiful public servant to his Mississippi constituents as lieutenant governor, fervently believes that he could represent the best interests of the people at the highest level and does not think his age would pose any performance issues. Nonetheless, he said he needs to spend more time consulting with his family and in prayer before deciding whether or not he will run for governor in 2027.
“You start with the big three, which are the Good Lord, your family, and then the voter, in that order, when those decisions are being made,” Hosemann said.
In the meantime, Hosemann assured Mississippians that his main priority is tackling legislative priorities, particularly those related to reducing the state’s chronic absenteeism rates and continuing the momentum of recent education successes.
A little over a year out from gubernatorial primaries, Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson and former House Speaker Philip Gunn are the only two Republicans to officially announce their candidacies, though more announcements are expected soon. Other potential GOP candidates include Attorney General Lynn Fitch, State Auditor Shad White, and billionaire business tycoon Tommy Duff.
