New leadership is coming to the Mississippi Republican Party.
Mississippi GOP chairman Frank Bordeaux announced on Wednesday that he will be stepping down from his post after four years of service. During his tenure, the Republican frontman oversaw Mississippi retaining supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature and most notably played a role in helping Governor Tate Reeves secure a narrow victory over Democratic challenger Brandon Presley.
“We’ve seen a lot of success. We’ve elected more Republicans in the last few years to local, state, and federal offices than at any point in history. With every election, we’ve gained seats and put more conservatives in positions to improve the lives of Mississippians,” Bordeaux stated. “It’s been a great run, but it’s time for me to pass the torch. I’ve decided not to seek re-election as Chairman of the MSGOP during this year’s convention. I’ve given all I had, and it’s time for a new leader with a fresh perspective.”
To help fill the upcoming vacancy, Bordeaux is looking to pass the torch to former U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst who has confirmed that he is vying for the chairmanship.
“Mike is a great man, a strong conservative, and has a proven track record of advocating for and defending conservative ideas,” Bordeaux continued. “Mike has my full support to be our next Chairman. He’s well-positioned to continue the Party’s positive momentum, and I know he will work tirelessly to grow our base and get more Republicans elected.”
Hurst was appointed by former President Donald Trump as the top federal lawyer for the Southern District of Mississippi from 2017 to 2021. He also spent time as general counsel for the Mississippi Center for Public Policy as well as the legislative director and counsel to former Congressman Chip Pickering. Hurst also tossed his hat in the ring to serve as Mississippi’s attorney general but was defeated by Democrat Jim Hood in 2015.
“I am humbled and honored to be asked to serve as Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party which has done so much to advocate and fight for the values and principles that we hold dear as Mississippians,” Hurst said. “I want to thank Governor Tate Reeves for his support, Chairman Frank Bordeaux for his incredible leadership, and the staff of the MSGOP, who have all raised our party to new heights and have achieved so much for our conservative principles over the last number of years. Our future is bright in Mississippi, and, if elected Chairman, I hope I can play a small role in making our state and our party even better in the future.”
Former Mississippi GOP chairman Lucien Smith is confident the likely transition from Bordeaux to Hurst will yield positive results for the party in the future.
“I have no doubt that Mike will build on Frank’s legacy of leadership and continue the party’s dominance of government in Mississippi at nearly every level,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, Mississippi’s Democratic Party plans to move forward with state Rep. Cheikh Taylor after the national committee last month voted not to reinstate former chairman Tyree Irving.
