Brandon Presley’s Prediction in the 2003 Governor’s Race

In 2003, Brandon Presley, the mayor of Nettleton, hosted Democratic Gov. Ronnie Musgrove during the final days of the November general election campaign. A New York Times reporter requested alone time with Musgrove, so Presley graciously offered to ride with the reporter instead. During the ride, Presley entertained the group with comedic impressions of both Musgrove and the Republican nominee, Haley Barbour. Presley also provided political commentary, predicting that if Barbour won the election, it would be a dark time for Mississippi Democrats. He believed that losing the rural white vote in areas like northeast Mississippi, where he lived, would hinder future Democratic victories in the state.

Musgrove ultimately lost the 2003 election, marking the beginning of a Republican dominance in Mississippi politics. Although rural white Democrats once held significant influence in the state legislature, they gradually lost their seats to Republicans who utilized modern campaign strategies. Presently, Sen. Hob Bryan is the only remaining rural white Democrat in northeast Mississippi.

Presley, who served as a four-term public service commissioner, had hoped to be the first Democrat to win the gubernatorial office since 1999. However, like former state Attorney General Jim Hood, Presley fell short in his bid for governor in 2023. Both candidates lost by about 5 percentage points, similar to Musgrove’s loss in 2003.

In the 2003 campaign, Musgrove won northeast Mississippi, a region that was once a stronghold for Democrats who believed in the government’s role in economic development. However, Democrats have been unable to recreate the winning coalition that included northeast Mississippi and majority-Black areas of the state.

Despite the loss, Presley remains determined to stay involved in politics and has not ruled out another run for governor in 2027. However, for now, his 2003 prediction remains true as Mississippi Democrats continue to face challenges in winning statewide elections.