CPP: Handicapping Mississippi Governor's Race | Austin Barbour

In this episode of MPW Digital, host Chase Parham sits down with Austin Barbour, a political strategist from Clearwater Group, to break down the upcoming 2027 Mississippi gubernatorial race. With incumbent Governor Tate Reeves and Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hoseman term-limited, the stage is set for a highly competitive Republican primary that could feature up to six major candidates. Barbour outlines the key players: Lynn Fitch (Attorney General), a top-tier candidate with strong name ID and national visibility; Shad White (State Auditor), a sharp, media-savvy conservative with a unique campaign style; Delbert Hoseman, the incumbent with massive name ID but facing age concerns; Philip Gunn, the former Speaker of the House with a strong legislative record; Andy Gibson, a rural conservative with a loyal base but limited fundraising; and Tommy Duff, a wealthy businessman whose entry could reshape the race. Barbour emphasizes that while name ID and fundraising matter, the ultimate deciding factors will be campaign organization, message clarity, and the ability to deliver targeted digital ads through data-driven strategies. The discussion also touches on broader political dynamics, including the shifting electoral map due to demographic changes in DeSoto and Rankin Counties, the growing influence of Mississippi State University’s lobbying arm (Bully Block), and the looming redistricting process expected before the 2027 elections. The episode concludes with a call to action for political advertisers to reach Mississippians through MPW Digital’s growing audience.