Ty Pinkins has been selected by the Mississippi Democratic Party to replace Shuwaski Young in the upcoming secretary of state race.
Young, who recently withdrew from the race following a “hypertensive crisis” that resulted in him being hospitalized overnight, was set to face off against incumbent Republican Michael Watson during the Nov. 7 general elections.
The State Board of Election Commissioners (SBEC) approved Young’s affidavit on Wednesday afternoon, announcing that Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor had five days to select a new nominee for the upcoming race.
Taylor released that the party had chosen Pinkins as a replacement the next day, citing the decorated veteran’s years of service for his country and home state.
“This is a man who has served his country, his beloved Delta, and people in marginalized communities across the state of Mississippi who needed his legal expertise,” Taylor explained. “Now, he’s stepped up to ensure that come November, Mississippians still have a choice in who will serve them as secretary of state.”
Over the past nine months, Pinkins has been campaigning for incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Roger Wicker’s position in the legislature. Wicker, who has held his position in the U.S. Senate for the past 16 years, will be up for reelection in November 2024.
Pinkins has not released if he plans to continue vying for the role while campaigning for the position of secretary of state or if he intends to end his campaign if elected.
During a press conference on Thursday, Taylor stated that the Rolling Fork native served over two decades of active duty in the U.S. Army, with his three combat tours in Iraq earning him a Bronze Star for his actions.
Pinkins is also the co-founder of The Pyramid Project, a nonprofit organization that provides career and academic-related resources to those in low-income communities. The organization also offers mentorship opportunities, as well as advocates for community members.
The SBEC will now be tasked with approving Pinkins before he is officially placed on the ballot.
