Last week, Joe Nosef stepped down as the Chairman of Mississippi’s Republican Party. Today, the Mississippi Republican Party’s Executive committee has elected Lucien Smith to head up the party. Smith was nominated by Governor Bryant and ran unopposed.
“I’m honored by the committee’s vote today and humbled by the Governor’s request that I serve,” said Chairman Smith. “Mississippi Republicans have never been in a stronger position, and I look forward to continuing the work to elect even more of those who share our conservative values.”
Chairman Smith had previously served as the Chief of Staff for Governor Bryant and Governor Haley Barbour. Governor Bryant had high praise for the man that he nominated and looks forward to working together as Smith takes on his new role.
“I’m pleased the Republican State Executive Committee accepted my nomination and has chosen Lucien as State Chairman,” said Governor Bryant. “He has a wealth of experience to draw from during his time on staff for multiple Republican governors and also in the private sector practicing law. He has the trust of his peers around the state, and I look forward to working with him soon to further the values of the Republican Party.”
Echoing Governor Bryant’s sentiments were Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Philip Gunn and Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves.
“I am thrilled to have Lucien Smith leading our party,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn. “I have known Lucien for a very long time. He shares the values that we, as Republicans, hold dear. His intelligence and knowledge will be great assets in this role.”
“I congratulate Lucien on his selection as chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party,” said Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves. “I look forward to working with him in this new role as we attract more Mississippians to the party of conservative ideas.”
Chairman Smith is a Jackson native and began his career as a law clerk to Judge Rhesa Hawkins of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
