Magnolia Mayor Anthony Witherspoon is considering a run for governor in 2019.
“It’s in its exploratory phase,” said Witherspoon, a Democrat. “I’m considering it.”
Witherspoon said he received support and encouragement after he posted a survey on Facebook, but stressed that he hasn’t made a decision or give a time frame for announcing whether he’ll run.
According to his Facebook post, Witherspoon’s platform includes:
• $15 per hour minimum wage.
• Legalization of medical marijuana.
• Job creation.
• Medicaid expansion.
• Legalization of recreational marijuana.
• Pay equity for women in the workforce.
• Fully funded public education.
• Criminal justice reform.
• Restoring voting rights for ex-offenders.
• Free second-year tuition at community colleges.
Witherspoon could potentially join a growing list of people who have already announced heir bids to replace term-limited Gov. Phil Bryant.
Attorney General Jim Hood, a Democrat, announced his candidacy in October.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, also is expected to run for Mississippi’s highest office.
Freshman state Rep. Robert Foster, R-Hernando, is expected to make a Dec. 11 announcement on his candidacy.
Jackson State University employee Velesha Williams plans to run as a Democrat.
Others who are reportedly considering campaigns include Republican billionaire tire mogul and Mississippi’s richest man, Thomas McDuff, and Republican Gerard Gibert, a member of the newly formed state lottery board.
Witherspoon is serving his first full term as mayor and has held the office since 2014.
He is married to state Sen. Tammy Witherspoon.
