State Representative Charles Busby has announced that he will run for Southern District Transportation Commissioner in 2023, a position that is currently being held by third-term Commissioner Tom King.
Busby has served as the Chairman of the Mississippi House Transportation Committee since 2016. He has represented House District 111 for three terms after winning the seat back for Republicans in 2009 when he defeated one-term Democrat Brandon Jones.
“I have decided that the best way for me to continue to support our state is by putting my experience to use as our next Southern District Transportation Commissioner,” Busby told Y’all Politics on Wednesday.
Consequently, King is still undecided whether he will run for reelection or not, and has recently told Busby that his decision wouldn’t come until the end of this year or the beginning of 2023.
“I mean no disrespect to Commissioner King, and I appreciate his service to this state and our country. He has told me that he will make his decision as to whether he will run again in December or January,” Busby said. “With a February 1 deadline for candidates to declare, that timeline simply would not allow my constituents in House District-111 sufficient time to recruit and vet candidates to replace me. That is why I am letting you all know of my decision now.”
As for why Busby wants to be the next Southern District Transportation Commissioner, he believes that difficult decisions need to be made for future updates of Mississippi’s roads.
“Tough decisions must be made related to obsolete roadways versus newer limited access roadways that support the automobiles of tomorrow, However, our number one objective must always be the safety of those who travel on our roads – your family and mine,” Busby said adding, “The Transportation Commission, MDOT, the legislature, and our contractor partners must diligently work together to find solutions that reflect the highest level of stewardship of the tax dollars provided to us.”
With nearly 40 years of experience in managing projects and executing contracts as a business owner, licensed contractor, and certified engineer, Busby believes he has what it takes to find solutions to the issues surrounding the state’s roadway infrastructure.
