Mississippi’s most prominent political stage will once again be filled with elected officials and candidates looking to make their case to voters during the 137th annual Neshoba County Fair.

The podium, situated beneath a wooden pavilion in Founder’s Square, gained national attention when Ronald Reagan delivered a speech there during the 1980 presidential campaign. In the decades since, the venue has become a proving ground for candidates seeking office at every level of government, often serving as a launching pad – or stumbling block – for political ambitions.

With the 2026 election cycle featuring congressional midterms, this year’s fair offers challengers a chance to connect with voters while incumbents remain in Washington as Congress conducts business. The event also provides an early look into the 2027 statewide election cycle, giving fairgoers an opportunity to hear from current officeholders who may be considering bids for higher office.

Political speaking is scheduled for the mornings of Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Invitations are extended to Mississippi’s statewide elected officials, candidates seeking statewide office, and elected officials and candidates who districts include Neshoba County.

Wednesday, June 24

• 9:30 a.m. — Lane Taylor (R), state senator, District 18
• 9:40 a.m. — Michael Chiaradino (D), candidate for U.S. House, Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District
• 9:50 a.m. — Ty Pinkins (Ind.), candidate for U.S. Senate
• 10 a.m. — Scott Colom (D), candidate for U.S. Senate
• 10:10 a.m. — Break
• 10:20 a.m. — David McRae (R), state treasurer
• 10:30 a.m. — Lynn Fitch (R), attorney general
• 10:40 a.m. — Delbert Hosemann (R), lieutenant governor

Thursday, June 25

• 9 a.m. — Scott Bounds (R), state representative, District 44
• 9:10 a.m. — DeKeither Stamps (D), public service commissioner, Central District
• 9:20 a.m. — Willie Simmons (D), transportation commissioner, Central District
• 9:30 a.m. — Jenifer Branning, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 3
• 9:40 a.m. — Kenny Griffis, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 1
• 9:50 a.m. — Break
• 10 a.m. — Andy Gipson (R), commissioner of agriculture and commerce
• 10:10 a.m. — Michael Watson (R), secretary of state
• 10:20 a.m. — Jason White (R), speaker of the Mississippi House
• 10:30 a.m. — Tate Reeves (R), governor

Republican State Auditor Shad White will not attend the fair due to military obligations. White serves as an officer in the Mississippi National Guard.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, both Republicans seeking reelection in 2026, will remain in Washington and not participate in political speaking at the Neshoba County Fair.

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Gov. Tate Reeves said Mississippi’s total nonfarm employment reached a new all-time high in May, topping 1.19 million jobs.

The state said the number shows its economic development strategy is working. Workforce leaders said the job market includes opportunities for people who are unemployed or looking for better-paying work.

Workforce leaders point to training options

Blaise King, director of strategy and alignment for Accelerate Mississippi, said job seekers should not let timelines or a lack of skills keep them from pursuing work.

“Not everything has to be a degree. It can be short-term training that can get you into work quickly and making good money,” King said.

King said Mississippi is seeing strong demand for construction jobs, driven in part by new data centers coming to the state. He said those jobs can lead to long-term careers.

“Someone could very easily have a career in the construction trades and move up beyond manual labor to the project manager and things like that to really have a high quality of life for them, for their family, and contribute back to society,” King said.

Advanced manufacturing is also a high-priority occupational sector.

Employers looking for skills and commitment

John McKay, president and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance, said opportunities exist across job sectors.

“There’s really no sector where there’s no opportunity,” McKay said.

McKay said companies are willing to invest in workers who show commitment.

“They’re willing to put that money on the line because they are really there. There’s a deep need for skilled people who can come in and kind of be ready on day one, and they’re willing to invest that capital in that,” McKay said.

McKay said soft skills can help job seekers get started.

“I will say that employers are most excited about an individual that has the drive and determination to show up to work every day and put in the effort. And so if your problem is you think you have a lack of skill or education, do not let that be a barrier,” McKay said.

While opportunities exist statewide, unemployment rates show an uneven distribution of economic success. The rates range from a low of 2.5% in Rankin County to a high of 8.8% in Issaquena County.

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