Earlier this morning, the Mississippi Republican Party announced that they will be having a press conference at party headquarters to announce a “major development for Republicans in the Mississippi Senate.” I have been told it is to present the newest member of the Republican Party. A Democrat who won re-election on Tuesday will be changing parties.
There are only so many Democrats remaining who would be candidates to switch if you want to guess who it may be. The press conference is at 4 p.m. and will include Lt. Gov.-elect Tate Reeves, MSGOP Chairman Arnie Hederman, and members of the state Senate.
This move will give Republicans their 31st member in the 52-person chamber. We can say those numbers with confidence because Giles Ward has indeed been re-elected in his Senate district that covers Neshoba, Leake, and Winston counties. According to a press release from Ward, he received 8,882 votes compared to 8,731 for Democrat Steven Kilgore.
Ward issued this statement in declaring victory: “I am extremely humbled that the voters have honored me with the opportunity to serve them for the next four years. I want to thank those who supported me with their votes as well as those who voted for my able opponent. I am committed to serving all the citizens of District 18, regardless of political party, as we goforward during these difficult economic times. I ask for your prayers for Kay andme as we work together to forge a bright future for this district and for the State ofMississippi.”