Most sources claim that Smith isn’t changing because of any political disagreement. In fact, Smith appears to be well-respected among party leaders. Reeves thinks Smith, an attorney at a large law firm that does business with the state for millions of dollars, is untoward. He wants a chairman who is free from such entanglements. Reeves, Smith and others appeared to be politically polarized over the Legislature’s decision to change the state flag with its divided Confederate battle emblem. Smith said that Mississippi Today had asked Smith to clarify that the party did not take a position on the Legislature’s decision to change the state flag. Reeves opposed the Legislature changing the flag, saying that the people should decide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saturday’s state GOP convention will not see a leadership change. Instead, it will be held online. Republicans will elect a 52-member executive board, a national chairmanwoman and committeeman as well as the six electors. The Republican National Convention, which begins Aug. 24, is likely to see a change in the chairmanship of the state GOP. Brad White, Reeves’ chief-of-staff, said that he and the chairman had been in contact about the possibility of a new chairman. White is also a former chairman of MSGOP. “But there’s not a sense of urgency and any discussion about who (a new chair) might be at this stage is purely speculation.” White said that Lucien had been a “fine chairman” and that it was typical for a Republican governor to choose a new chairman as the head of the state party. Although the executive committee elects a GOP chairperson, the governor usually chooses their choice by acclamation. In recent history, there has not been a major challenge by an executive committee to the nomination of a Republican governor for chairman. According to some party leaders, the fact that Reeves did not replace Smith more quickly is an indication that there is no major conflict between them — contrary any rumors. Former Governor Phil Bryant was an example. He made it one his first orders of business in 2012 when he was inaugurated to accept the resignations of Arnie Hederman and push for Joe Nosef’s nomination. After Nosef’s sudden resignation, Bryant appointed Smith to the position of 12th Chairman of the MSGOP. Smith is an attorney at Balch and Bingham law office. He was previously chief of staff to Bryant and counsel and budget advisor to the former governor. Haley Barbour. Smith was unsuccessfully elected state treasurer in 2011. Smith led the party through one of its most prosperous political times. Last year, Republicans won eight of the eight statewide seats, including the governor’s seat. They also took most of the district-wide seats, and increased their supermajority over the Legislature. Smith declined to comment but a party spokeswoman issued a statement Friday. “Mississippi Republicans enjoy unprecedented success in the recent years,” said Gov. Reeves has worked closely with Chairman Smith to create and deliver this success,” Nicole Webb, spokeswoman for MSGOP. They have also worked together to create a slate to be considered by the MSGOP executive board. The slate will be presented at Saturday’s state convention ….”. While there are many names that could replace Smith, GOP sources stated they had not heard a final list and noted that Reeves is well-known for keeping such decisions and deliberations close to his vest. In recent weeks, the state Democratic Party saw a bitter struggle for its chairmanship. This led to Bobby Moak’s resignation and the election as new chairman of the party by former Judge Tyree Irwin.