Republican Haley Barbour from Yazoo City used what he learned over decades in Washington, D.C., including as the political director of President Ronald Reagan, to focus it on incumbent Democratic Governor. Ronnie Musgrove. Musgrove ran a competent campaign that was likely good enough to beat most of his opponents. However, Barbour’s unrivalled campaign fund-raising and Barbour’s campaign expertise proved too much for Musgrove to overcome. Barbour had many weaknesses that Musgrove could exploit, it should be noted. His biggest flaw was likely the timing of his first term, which coincided with the emergence of low-paying manufacturing jobs. Mississippi was particularly affected by this exodus. Musgrove’s support of changing the flag was another issue. This position was not popular with the majority of voters. His divorce during his first term at the Governor’s Mansion was not helpful. 894,487 voters voted for him in that election. This total has never been exceeded in any Mississippi election for governor. It was, in fact, the last state-wide competitive election for governor. John Arthur Eaves Jr., a trial attorney, fought a valiant fight against Barbour’s reelection in 2007. But he was never given a chance. Johnny DuPree, then-Hattiesburg Mayor, made history in 2011 when he became Mississippi’s first African American to win the Democratic nomination as governor. DuPree was a careful general election candidate and never presented a threat to Republican Phil Bryant. In 2015, Robert Gray, a truck driver, won the primary for governor. Gray didn’t vote in the Democratic primary. Gray appeared to be a decent guy but it was a humiliating low point for the state party. There hasn’t been much drama since the Barbour-vs. Musgrove race in terms of Gray’s election as governor. It is expected that this year will be different. Mississippi’s Attorney General Jim Hood is the leading Republican Lt. Governor. Recent polling has shown Tate Reeves leading Republican Lt. Gov. Both are favorites to win the nomination of their party’s governorship, but both will face serious challenges in primary elections. If both of them advance, it will be the most exciting gubernatorial race since 2003. It will also be one in which there will be real differences. Consider the tax issue. Hood has criticised the business tax incentives that Reeves helped pass through the Legislature. Reeves lauds these tax breaks, as well as the personal income tax cut. Reeves believes that tax cuts can spur economic growth. Hood on the other hand wants to abolish the food sales tax because he believes this will benefit more people with low incomes. Hood, on the other hand, is a strong supporter of expanding Medicaid coverage to include the working poor, as allowed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare). Reeves stated in January that he was opposed to Medicaid expansion. “I am against Obamacare expansion in Mississippi” because it isn’t in the best interests of Mississippi taxpayers. They also have differing views on many other issues such as education funding and changing the state flag, which features the Confederate battle emblem prominently. Reeves stated that he would only vote for the flag to be changed through statewide elections. Hood stated that Hood believes that the Legislature should make this decision. Hood stated that if the flag doesn’t represent today’s citizens, then we as a body should choose one. Reeves Hood’s election would have significant differences. Hood, unlike other Democratic nominees for governor will be able to identify himself and defend his positions. It is possible that the turnout could surpass Musgrove or Barbour.