Mississippi Voters Promote GOP Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves to Governor

Beth Baumann | November 06, 2019 12:12 AM

Mississippi's Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves won the state's gubernatorial race on Tuesday night, defeating Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood. He won with 53 percent of the vote, compared to Hood's 46 percent.

Hood conceded around 10:30 p.m. local time, the Clarion Ledger reported.

"We've run a good race. I appreciate your support, and we've had fun," Hood said.

According to Business Insider, this is the first competitive gubernatorial race Mississippi has seen in a decade.

Reeves will now be the state's third Republican governor in a row. In the last 25 years, Democrats have only had the governor's seat for four of those years, The Hill reported.

President Donald Trump and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel congratulated Reeves on his victory:

Congratulations to @tatereeves on winning Governor of the Great State of Mississippi. Our big Rally on Friday night moved the numbers from a tie to a big WIN. Great reaction under pressure Tate!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2019

Congratulations @TateReeves on being elected Governor of Mississippi!

Reeves was down double-digits, but @realDonaldTrump came in big with his endorsement and rally, putting him over the top.

A huge win for the President and our Party!
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) November 6, 2019