Frank Bordeaux has officially been named the new Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party following now-former Chairman Lucien Smith’s decision to step down.
Bourdeaux was selected by the members of the Mississippi State Republican Party Executive Committee today after he was recommended by Smith in late September.
“I am grateful to the State Executive Committee for their selection of me as Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party and thankful for the confidence Governor Reeves has placed in me,” Bordeaux said. “This is a pivotal time to be a Republican. Now, more than ever, good governance demands the principled, constitutionally-rooted ideals of conservatism. Our Party will remain resolute in its push to defend and expand liberty. I thank Lucien for his work to ensure the health and strength of the MSGOP and look forward to sweeping the ballot in November.”
The Coast businessman entered today’s vote with the support of Governor Reeves. Bordeaux was one of the governor’s three appointees to the Mississippi Flag Commission.
“We are excited to welcome Frank Bordeaux as the new Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party during a year that is critical for conservatives across our state and our nation,” Govenror Reeves said. “With this passing of the torch, Mississippi Republicans can be assured that the success and gains made will only continue to flourish under Frank’s conservative leadership. As a long-time, dedicated Republican with a work ethic that is unmatched, our Party is in good hands with Frank at the helm.”
Bordeaux currently serves as the VP of Property and Casualty for BXS Insurance and as the Secretary for the Harrison County Board of Commissioners.
Smith served in the role for the past three years following his nomination by former Governor Phil Bryant in 2017. Smith oversaw the party’s path to holding all eight statewide offices, a majority on both the Transportation Commission and the Public Service Commission, and supermajorities in the Mississippi House of Representatives and the Mississippi State Senate.
“I am incredibly grateful for the trust Mississippi Republicans placed in me as Chairman and for the understanding and support my family and business partners provided to me during my term,” Smith said. “These past three years have been historically successful thanks to the work of grassroots activists and Republican officials up and down the ballot. We now control every policy-making body at the state level; we’ve broken fundraising records; we’ve made more than 3 million distinct voter contacts; and we’ve spread the message around the state that there’s only one conservative party in Mississippi—the Republican Party. Our Party is as healthy and as strong as it has ever been, and the results are evident. More than 100 people who were originally elected to local office as Democrats have chosen to walk away from their party to govern as and run as Republicans. After three years in this role, I have achieved what I set out to achieve initially. It is time for me hand over the reins to someone new. Our new Chairman Frank Bordeaux is a valued and experienced political leader, and I know he will work to build even more growth for our Party and our state. I wish him every success.”
Following the announcement, the Republican members of Mississippi’s delegation in Washington and many elected officials in the state expressed their support for Bordeaux and their appreciation for Smith.
