Mississippi

This week in politics: Why Democrats didn’t vote for Kamala Harris in Mississippi as they’ve done in previous years

Published

1 year ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

This week in politics: Why Democrats didn’t vote for Kamala Harris in Mississippi as they’ve done in previous years

Hyde Smith not interested in US Sec. of Ag, and US Rep. Michael Guest once again in national spotlight last week.

Ever since Donald Trump won a lopsided victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, many have been researching how she lost by a worse margin than sitting President Joe Biden.

The answer might be as simple as this: Some Democrats simply didn’t vote, and that trend was true in Mississippi.

Analyzing election data from Mississippi and the nation, turnout was low across the board, but the GOP won by a larger percentage of ballots cast in the state than in some previous presidential elections.

According to Dallas Breen, the Stennis Institute’s executive director, many Democratic voters in swing counties did not see enough of a separation between Harris and Biden.

Not wanting to vote for Trump but also not seeing a reformer in Harris, many Mississippi Democrats just decided to stay home on Election Day, Breen said.

“From what we are seeing, you just had a lot of 50/50 counties, and there was a bigger drop off of Democrats not coming to vote than Republicans,” Breen said. “In years past, Democratic candidates were typically disconnected from that because they were senators, secretaries of state, etc.”

That theory is also illustrated by the fact that Trump won six Mississippi counties that went for Biden in 2020, including some in the Delta.

Hyde-Smith throws cold water on Sec. of Agriculture rumors

 Early last week, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, finally spoke on what state politicos had been wondering for weeks: Will she become the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture?

Her answer may not have a huge ripple effect, but it did reaffirm her bid for reelection in 2026.

“It’s an honor to be mentioned as a potential nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, but my plans are to remain in the Senate and continue to deliver for the people of Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith wrote in a press release. “As a former state agriculture commissioner and with my current committee assignments, I remain wholeheartedly committed to the ag community, its growth, and its success.”

With Hyde-Smith out, the question remains if any Mississippi politician will get a seat at Trump’s table. Whether that comes through an appointment or semi-regular trips to the White House over the next four years remains to be seen.

Mississippi US House Rep. at center of AG pick drama

For the second time since taking office, U.S. House Rep. Michael Guest, R-Dist. 3, took the national spotlight, though it was likely unwanted.

Guest, who chairs the House Ethics Committee, told reporters Wednesday afternoon that a report on Trump’s now-former U.S. Attorney General pick Matt Gaetz’ alleged sexual misconduct and drug abuse was not going to be released.

Over the last week, many had called on the committee to release the report to the Senate so when Gaetz came before an appointment committee, it would have all the facts. Others called on the Senate not to approve of the pick altogether.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, had said since Gaetz resigned from Congress when Trump appointed him, the report could not be released. Gaetz bowed out of the appointment on Thursday.

Guest did not respond to requests for comment on the Gaetz report. Nor did Sen. Roger Wicker or Hyde-Smith respond to whether they would vote to approve Gaetz’ appointment if it came before the full Senate.

“Democrats would have never nominated a candidate like Gaetz to anything,” U.S. House Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Dist.3, said in a statement to the Clarion ledger about the former AG pick. “(Gaetz) demeans the office of Attorney General. Shame on the Republicans for embarrassing themselves.”

Branning sues election commissioners to pressure on-time ballot counting

As of the afternoon on Nov. 15, the Hinds County Election Commission had yet to send its final tally of absentee and affidavit ballots to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.

When it appeared that the commissioners might be pushing the count to the 5 p.m. deadline to submit them to, Mississippi Supreme Court Central District candidate and State Sen. Jenifer Branning’s attorney Spencer Ritchie filed a lawsuit in Hinds County Circuit Court to pressure them into finishing on time, he said.

Branning, a Republican from Philadelphia, has been on the record saying she is a constitutional conservative and would not “legislate from the bench. She has also been endorsed by the Mississippi GOP.

MSOS Communications Director Elizabeth Jonson confirmed after 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 that Hinds County had sent in its finalized results. The lawsuit was then dismissed, Ritchie told the Clarion Ledger in a text message.

Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335

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Mississippi

MHP responds to abandoned vehicle left on side of Mississippi interstate

Published

6 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

MHP responds to abandoned vehicle left on side of Mississippi interstate

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Some drivers may have seen a white van abandoned for days along I-55 south near the Old Agency Road exit. Even though it’s parked on the shoulder, it’s still close enough to passing traffic to raise safety concerns.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol, or MHP, said that stretch of interstate is actually under the Ridgeland Police Department’s jurisdiction, showing why reporting an abandoned vehicle isn’t always as simple as calling one agency.

MHP said the best thing to do if you spot an abandoned vehicle is to report it and provide as much location detail as possible, especially the mile marker, so dispatch can send the correct agency.

Trooper Darnika Mayfield, a public affairs officer with MHP, said, “Most of the time, if you see something like that, just let us know what the mile mark is… just call 911 and they can direct the correct agency that cover that area… the city and the county, they do have certain parts of the highway.”

MHP states that no matter where an abandoned vehicle is seen, it should still be reported, particularly if it’s creating a hazard.

“Notify us and let us know, especially if it’s causing a danger… just notify us and let us know so we can get that vehicle out the roadway,” Mayfield said.

Under Mississippi law, a vehicle left on a public road or highway for five days or more meets the state’s definition of an abandoned motor vehicle. That can trigger the abandoned-vehicle process, including towing.

And if you come back and your vehicle is gone, MHP said you can call to find out where it was taken.

“If your vehicle is abandoned on the side of the road, and you come back after five days… just dial *47, dial 911, and we’ll let you know what towing company has your vehicle,” Mayfield said.

We reached out to the Ridgeland Police Department to ask about its abandoned-vehicle policy and when the van along I-55 will be towed.

We’re still waiting for a response.

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Mississippi

Rapper Afroman plans 3 Mississippi shows. When, where to see new tour

Published

18 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

Rapper Afroman plans 3 Mississippi shows. When, where to see new tour

Afroman has three Mississippi shows lined up soon. The Grammy-nominee recently unveiled dates for his 2026 Freedom of Speech Tour. The first two are this week. Is one near you?

Afroman’s real name is Joseph Foreman. The 2024 presidential candidate used to live in Hattiesburg.

The rapper is best known for his hits such as “Because I Got High,” “Mississippi” and “Crazy Rap.” He was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Because I Got High,” a comedy song about smoking marijuana.

Here’s what to know about his First Amendment court victory and when you can watch him in the Magnolia State.

Why is it called the Freedom of Speech tour?

In 2022, law enforcement in Adams County, Ohio, raided the rapper’s home. It was tied to allegations of kidnapping and drug trafficking. Afroman was never charged.

Months later, Afroman used video from his home security system in music videos. He has lyrics making fun of specific officers by name. Songs like “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake” have racked up millions of views and streams.

The deputies filed a lawsuit in 2023, arguing that he’d committed defamation and invasion of privacy.

He continued releasing police diss tracks. “Batteram Hymn of The Police Whistle Blower” was dropped this month.

A jury acquitted Afroman on March 18.

“I didn’t win, America won,” he told Cincinnati’s WCPO 9 News outside the courthouse.

His new album “Freedom of Speech,” includes the songs from the lawsuit. It drops on April 20. The date, 4-20, is popular and an unofficial holiday for weed smokers.

When will Afroman play in Mississippi?

He has three shows in Mississippi this spring, according to Afroman’s tour webpage and event organizers.

Afroman most recently drew attention following victory in a three‑day trial in Ohio after deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office sued him for using real footage from a 2022 police raid on his home in viral music videos. The videos were “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake.”

Contributing: Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Vote for Clarion Ledger Mississippi girls high school athlete of the week March 23-28

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Vote for Clarion Ledger Mississippi girls high school athlete of the week March 23-28

There were several top performers across the state in girls high school sports, but only one can be voted as the Clarion Ledger athlete of the week for March 23-28.

Fans may vote in the poll BELOW one time per hour per device. The poll closes at noon on Friday.

To nominate a future athlete of the week, email mchavez@gannett.com or message him on X, formerly Twitter, @MikeSChavez.

To submit high school scores, statistics, records, leaders and other items at any time, email mchavez@gannett.com.

Nominations

Lexie Dixon, Alcorn Central: Dixon had eight hits with two home runs and eight RBIs in Alcorn Central games against Booneville and Corinth.

Alyssa McMurtrey, Pisgah: McMurtrey had seven hits with 10 RBIs in Pisgah’s games against Morton and Quitman.

Madison Rhodes, Clinton: Rhodes had four hits with eight RBIs and a pair of stolen bases during Clinton’s games against Madison Central, Germantown and Murrah.

Abbie Robertson, Itawamba Agricultural: Robertson had two home runs and nine RBIs during Itawamba Agricultural’s wins against Amory and Pine Grove.

Addy Walker Phillips, Neshoba Central: Phillips produced six hits and six RBIs in Neshoba Central’s games against West Lauderdale and Choctaw Central.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.

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