Democrat candidate De’Keither Stamps has been elected to the position of public service commissioner for Mississippi’s central district over incumbent Republican Brent Bailey.
The outgoing state representative secured approximately 2,000 more votes than his opponent, according to the 97 percent of ballots that had been counted when the election was called by the Associated Press.
Stamps, a combat veteran and former Jackson city councilman, announced earlier this year that he would be challenging Bailey to a rematch following a close 2019 election that was decided by less than a one-point margin.
Throughout the duration of his campaign, Stamps has advocated for broadband expansion throughout Mississippi, as well as the improvement of utility service to residents.
“Moving forward, we are going to work together to grow our economy through the utility space by offering a utility service all over the state of Mississippi so we can create more jobs and provide better service to everyone,” Stamps said. “As we move forward in Mississippi, let’s all remember that we are one state, we serve one God, and we are one beautiful people. Let’s move this state forward.”
The other two seats on the three-member commission were secured during the primary election, with Republican State Rep. Chris Brown securing the position left open by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley in the north and Republican Nelson Wayne Carr winning in the southern district. Neither had opponents during the general election.
Statewide results from Mississippi’s general election
- Governor: Incumbent Republican Tate Reeves defeated Democratic challenger Brandon Presley. A self-proclaimed “numbers guy,” Reeves said that he plans to continue working toward full income tax elimination while bringing more economic development into the state.
- Lieutenant Governor: Incumbent Republican Delbert Hosemann defeated Democratic challenger D. Ryan Grover. Hosemann wants to make community college free and find a solution to the state’s ongoing healthcare crisis during his upcoming term.
- Attorney General: Incumbent Republican Lynn Fitch defeated Democratic challenger Greta Kemp Martin. Fitch, key in overturning Roe v. Wade, said she will continue to crack down on sex trafficking and fentanyl distribution while serving as the state’s top legal counsel.
- Secretary of State: Incumbent Republican Michael Watson defeated last-minute Democratic challenger Ty Pinkins. Watson plans to continue educating young people on the voting process while reducing regulations on businesses.
- State Auditor: Incumbent Republican Shad White defeated Democratic challenger Larry Bradford. White vows to continue clawing back misspent taxpayer dollars.
- State Treasurer: Incumbent Republican David McRae defeated Democratic challenger Addie Lee Green. McRae wants to use the next four years to return more unclaimed money while furthering the state’s college savings program.
- Ag Commissioner: Incumbent Republican Andy Gipson defeated Democratic challenger Robert Bradford. Gipson wants to supply solutions to the ongoing drought and its victims while supplying residents with locally grown produce amid record inflation.
- Insurance Commissioner: Incumbent Republican Mike Chaney will continue his reign as the longest-standing elected official in Mississippi, defeating Democratic challenger Bruce Burton. Chaney plans to expand insurance coverage over all major industries while pushing insurance companies to charge low or fair rates to consumers.
