Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson is the first Republican candidate to officially launch a campaign aimed at being the state’s next governor.
With Gov. Tate Reeves being term-limited, multiple GOP officeholders at the state level have mulled potential bids to run the state from the governor’s mansion. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and State Auditor Shad White have not shied away from hinting that they intend to pursue a gubernatorial run. Prominent businessman Tommy Duff’s name has also been floated as a potential Republican candidate. However, Gipson is the first to make an official announcement.
Gipson has served as commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce since 2018, when he was appointed to fill the vacant seat previously held by now U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. He was most recently reelected in 2024 after garnering roughly 58% of the vote in a race against Democratic challenger Robert Bradford.
As for what qualifies him to sign bills into law, facilitate economic development affairs in the state, and perform other functions required of governors, the agriculture commissioner believes his “conservative principles” and leadership set him apart from possible competition.
“Mississippi knows Andy Gipson won’t back down from our conservative principles, because when it comes to getting things done, Andy Gipson is Mississippi’s proven conservative leader,” an official statement from Gipson’s camp reads. “Whether leading the charge for Life in protecting the unborn, in standing for our Second Amendment rights, or in defending our freedoms against Joe Biden’s oppressive federal mandates, Andy Gipson was always there in the fight.”
Gipson prides himself on being fiercely loyal in his support of President Donald Trump, who earned a whopping 61% of the vote in Mississippi during the 2024 general election, along with his commitment to fiscal responsibility and consolidating government agencies to save taxpayers money.
He also touts accomplishments achieved during his time as agriculture commissioner, including connecting the state fairgrounds to a water well to prevent the grounds from having to depend on Jackson’s water system, increasing security at the Mississippi State Fair to make the event safer, and keeping the Dixie National Rodeo up and running amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Results like renovating the State Fairgrounds, building a highly successful law enforcement team, drilling a water well, and providing true leadership in the face of the Jackson Water Crisis,” the announcement further reads. “Under Gipson’s leadership, when Jackson and other State agencies shut down, Ag and Commerce kept working — and the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo kept rolling on, with four record years back to back.”
If given the chance to serve as governor, Gipson plans to advocate for Mississippi’s $9 billion agriculture industry by using his power to protect farmers, ranchers, loggers, and landowners against tax increases. He also vows to “identify, attack, and defeat leftist policies at the state and national levels,” while leaning on his faith to guide the state.
“Born, raised, and educated 100 percent right here in Mississippi, Andy Gipson loves our Magnolia State. He’s visited all 82 counties and has traveled the United States — and the World — to promote our beloved State and our People,” Gipson’s announcement stated. “Behind it all is Gipson’s strong Christian faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his family.”
Earlier this week, Gipson teased the public that he would have new signs on display at this year’s Neshoba County Fair. Though no other candidates have announced their candidacy yet, the Republican field is expected to become rather crowded well ahead of 2027.
