West, 72, was the first African American to chair the Adams County Board of Supervisors. He was a former House member and mayor of Natchez. Recently, he withdrew his candidacy, stating that he didn’t want his name on any ballot that could jeopardize the chances of any other Democratic candidate. He said that he felt able to speak about our weaknesses because he had the experience. “On almost every quality of life issue we face, we are last.” West stated that the state requires someone who “has the vision” to address the many problems facing it. Many of these issues stem from decades of systematic racism. He said, “I don’t think we should be proud to be last.” West stated that he wanted to draw attention to these issues as a candidate for governor, but he didn’t want to compromise the election for another Democratic candidate. West stated that he believes Attorney General Jim Hood has the best chance of any Democratic candidate to win the November gubernatorial elections. Hood, Mississippi’s only statewide elected Democrat and in his fourth term of attorney general, is one eight candidates vying for the Democratic side. He stated that Jim Hood was the only candidate I saw on the Democratic side as offering a chance to win and become governor. In a prepared statement West later stated, “After visiting Jim Hood during this campaign, it is clear that Jim shares my values.” Friends cannot argue at this crucial moment because the stakes are too high. Jim shares my love of Mississippi and has the vision, integrity and drive to take Mississippi forward. This is why I support Jim Hood and will ask others to vote for him.” Other Democratic candidates include Robert Shuler Smith, Hinds County District Attorney; Velesha Williams from Flora, a former Jackson State University administrator; William Bond Compton Jr.; Robert J. Ray; Gregory Wash of Forest; as well as Albert Wilson of Jackson. West stated that he was able to serve in public office for over 50 years due to his concerns about the state. Two events are what prompted West’s desire to help improve the state. West, who graduated high school in Mississippi, said that he moved to Chicago in order to find work. He said that he was inspired by the “collaborative atmosphere” in Chicago and felt the need to return to Mississippi in order to attend Alcorn State. He agreed to travel to Brookhaven, Mississippi with his father the day before he was due to enroll at Alcorn State in Jan 1965 to meet a neighbor who was visiting family for the holiday. West claimed that he recalls his father’s car being passed by three times on U.S. Highway 84 by a station wagon, which would suddenly slow down after passing them. West’s father pulled off Highway 84 and stopped at a house where they camped out in the back yard. A man with a gun walked up to the station wagon and shouted at the son and father to stop driving on the highway. West claimed that his father walked along a gravel road in an attempt to re-enter highway. Although West claimed that the incident had an impact on his decision, the events of January night were rarely discussed between the father-son. West was nicknamed “Bucket” at Alcorn State. This nickname stayed with him throughout his political career, which included his time in the Mississippi House, where he headed the Legislative Black Caucus. West claimed that he believed for many years that he was given the nickname due to his scoring prowess at intramural basketball games. However, a teammate from ASU gave West the nickname “Bucket” because of the size of his head. West joined the ASU baseball team as a walk on, but later received a scholarship and was elected to the Alcorn State Hall of Fame. West stated that if it wasn’t for his desire to help the state with its problems, he would have chosen to be a coach of baseball instead of a politician. Story updated by Phillip West on May 30, 2019.