Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves overcame a tough challenge from Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood to be elected Mississippi’s governor late Tuesday, AP reports.
The big picture: Both Hood and Reeves seemed within striking distance of the seat leading up to Tuesday's vote in the traditionally red state.
- Hood had positioned himself as a moderate Democrat, backing the state's six-week abortion ban and going relatively easy on gun control. Reeves had branded himself as a traditional conservative, opposing Medicaid expansion.
Congratulations to @tatereeves on winning Governor of the Great State of Mississippi. Our big Rally on Friday night moved the numbers from a tie to a big WIN. Great reaction under pressure Tate!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2019
Between the lines: A Jim Crow-era law requires a candidate to win the majority of the popular vote and the majority of the state's 122 state house districts to secure the governorship.
- A Democrat has not held the gubernatorial seat since 1999.
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