The Mississippi Democratic Party is calling for a boycott of the annual state fair after Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson hosted a rally for recently convicted President Donald Trump on public grounds ahead of the November elections.
In a press release sent Monday, the Democratic Party condemned the rally held last Thursday at the Mississippi Agriculture Museum. GOP elected officials gathered, alongside Gipson, to show support for Trump after the once again candidate was found guilty in New York on 34 counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels.
“It is deeply concerning and frankly alarming to see our state leaders, including Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Governor Tate Reeves, supporting a convicted felon,” Mississippi Democratic Party Chair Cheikh Taylor said. “Their actions reflect a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the principles of justice that our country was founded upon.”
As a form of retribution, the party is encouraging residents to forego attending the annual state fair in Jackson. The fair, which is held at the state fairgrounds which fall under the purview of Gipson’s office, attracts thousands on a yearly basis and brings in millions in economic impact for the capital city.
“In light of the event, we are calling for a boycott of the upcoming Mississippi State Fair, an event closely associated with the AG Commissioner’s office,” the press release noted. “By boycotting the State Fair, we aim to send a clear message that the citizens of Mississippi will not support or tolerate the actions of leaders who stand with a convicted criminal.”
In 2023, the state fair attracted over 526,000 attendees and produced nearly $50 million in economic impact – making for Jackson’s largest event. The 2024 fair is set for Oct. 3-13.
When SuperTalk Mississippi News reached out to Gipson’s office, the Republican found no merit in boycotting the fair while adding that Trump’s guilty verdict was “ridiculous.” Trump is appealing the conviction ahead of a tentative sentencing date of July 11.
“The Mississippi Democrat Party’s statement and boycott of our State Fair is about as ridiculous as the charges brought against Donald Trump in New York City. I invite everyone to come enjoy the Mississippi State Fair from October 3rd through the 13th!”
