Founders Square at the Neshoba County Fair will once again be the center of Mississippi’s political world next week as three days of political speaking is set under the pavilion.
This year’s 134th edition of the Neshoba County Fair, the oldest campground fair in the nation, officially opened today, July 21, and runs through July 28.
It is a statewide and legislative election year, which means candidates will be on the stump turning up the already sweltering Mississippi heat even more while slinging a little of that well-known red dirt. The most watched speeches this year will be the lieutenant governor candidates on Wednesday and the gubernatorial candidates on Thursday.
State Sen. Chris McDaniel will take the stage at 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday just ahead of incumbent Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann at 10:30 a.m. in what is sure to provide more than a few midmorning fireworks. The two Republicans have been trading jabs for months and don’t look to let up with the primary just weeks away.
Then, on Thursday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley will make his way to Founders Square at 10:20 a.m. with Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Outgoing Speaker Philip Gunn is also making his last appearance at the fair’s pavilion as the leader of the Mississippi House on Thursday, just ahead of Presley. Gunn chose not to seek reelection this cycle after serving for three terms as the state’s first Republican speaker of the House since Reconstruction.
Other speeches of note at this year’s fair include the Republican incumbents and Democratic challengers for attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, treasurer and Central District public service commissioner. Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, state Auditor Shad White and Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons are also slated to speak but neither of their challengers are listed as attending.
Local political speeches from candidates running in Neshoba County will begin on Tuesday while the state candidates will commence with their remarks on Wednesday and Thursday.
This is a complete listing of the political speaking schedule for Wednesday and Thursday as promoted by the Neshoba County Fair Association:
Wednesday, July 26
8:30 a.m. – DeKeither Stamps (D), candidate for Central District Public Service Commissioner
8:40 a.m. – Brent Bailey (R), Central District Public Service Commissioner
8:50 a.m. – Terry Rogers (D), candidate for Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner
9:00 a.m. – Bethany Hill, (D), candidate for Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner
9:10 a.m. – Robert Bradford, (D), candidate for Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner
9:20 a.m. – Andy Gipson (R), Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner
9:30 a.m. – Mike Chaney (R), Insurance Commissioner
9:40 a.m. – Greta Martin (D), candidate for Attorney General
9:50 a.m. – Lynn Fitch (R), Attorney General
10:10 a.m. – Tiffany Longino (R), candidate for Lieutenant Governor
10:20 a.m. – Chris McDaniel (R), candidate for Lieutenant Governor
10:30 a.m. – Delbert Hosemann (R), Lieutenant Governor
Thursday, July 27
8:40 a.m. – C. Scott Bounds (R), State Representative
8:50 a.m. – Shuwaski Young (D), candidate for Secretary of State
9:00 a.m. – Michael Watson (R), Secretary of State
9:10 a.m. – Addie Lee Green (D), candidate for State Treasurer
9:20 a.m. – David McRae (R), State Treasurer
9:30 a.m. – Shad White (R), State Auditor
9:40 a.m. – Willie Simmons (D), Central District Transportation Commissioner
9:50 a.m. – David Hardigree (R), candidate for Governor
10:00 a.m. – Dr. John Witcher (R), candidate for Governor
10:10 a.m. – Philip Gunn (R), Speaker of the House
10:20a.m. – Brandon Presley (D), candidate for Governor
10:30 a.m. – Tate Reeves (R), Governor
You can learn more about the Neshoba County Fair and see all of the events and attractions happening during the week at neshobacountyfair.org.
