The Democratic gubernatorial primary in Mississippi on Tuesday produced a historic outcome as Democrats voted in favor of the state’s first black gubernatorial candidate.
Mississippi voters chose Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree on Tuesday as the Democratic nominee for governor in one of four states due to hold gubernatorial contests in the fall. Mr. DuPree on Tuesday became the first black candidate in modern times to win major-party nod for Mississippi governor in a state that has not had a black statewide official since Reconstruction.
“I’m just so proud of the fact that we had people who believed in us, believed in the message, believed in what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m so proud that people took a hold of that,” Mr. DuPree said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Speaking to supporters late Tuesday night, the Mississippi Democrat said he will continue to focus on job creation and revamping the state’s economy.
“Better jobs mean more money for Mississippians. And we do that with better schools and safer streets. More green means a better tomorrow,” he said.
Officials say voting today in Mississippi’s Democratic and Republican primary runoffs has been light and that the race was expected to receive little national attention.
Democratic voters went to the polls just weeks after Republicans choose their candidate for the 2011 general election. Missisippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant won a five-man Republican primary for Mississippi governor while the election to determine his Democratic opponent went into a runoff.
Both Mr. Bryant and Mr. DuPree will compete to replace outgoing governor Haley Barbour. The Mississippi Republican, who was widely seen as front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, announced earlier this year that he would not seek the 2012 nomination. Mr. Barbour is term-limited.
