- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Cleveland Today
By the People, for the People
Watson Announces 2027 Lt. Governor Bid
Two-term Secretary of State plans 11-stop campaign tour next week to launch statewide run.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:48pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Rumors have been swirling that two-term Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson (R) will announce a bid for Lt. Governor next week. With a $2.5 million campaign war chest, Watson would be the immediate front-runner for the Republican nomination.
Why it matters
The Lt. Governor's office in Mississippi is a powerful position that oversees the state Senate and has significant influence over the legislative agenda. Watson's entry into the race would shake up the 2027 statewide election cycle and set up a potentially contentious Republican primary.
The details
Watson, who is currently serving his second term as Secretary of State, said he will make his campaign announcement on Tuesday, April 7 and then embark on an 11-stop tour across Mississippi to speak with supporters. He is expected to formally declare his candidacy for Lt. Governor, a position currently held by Delbert Hosemann (R), who is term-limited.
- Watson will make his initial campaign announcement on Tuesday, April 7 in Pascagoula.
- Watson has scheduled campaign stops in Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Jackson on Tuesday.
- On Wednesday, Watson will visit Meridian, Starkville, Tupelo, and Oxford.
- On Thursday, Watson has announced stops in Olive Branch, Cleveland, and Brookhaven.
The players
Michael Watson
The two-term Republican Secretary of State of Mississippi who is expected to announce a bid for Lt. Governor next week. Watson previously served three terms in the State Senate.
Delbert Hosemann
The current Republican Lt. Governor of Mississippi, who is term-limited and will not be seeking re-election in 2027.
Briggs Hopson
A Republican State Senator and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for Lt. Governor in 2027.
What they’re saying
“From my time in the State Senate, to my service now as your Secretary of State, I have always strived to represent our conservative values. Next week, I will be making a special campaign announcement for the future, and I would be honored if you will join me at one of the events near you.”
— Michael Watson, Secretary of State
What’s next
Watson's campaign announcement next week will kick off the 2027 Lt. Governor's race in Mississippi, with the Republican primary likely to be highly competitive given his fundraising advantage and name recognition.
The takeaway
Watson's expected entry into the 2027 Lt. Governor's race sets up a potentially contentious Republican primary battle, as the powerful office of Lt. Governor is seen as a springboard to higher statewide offices like Governor. Watson's deep campaign war chest and experience as Secretary of State make him an immediate front-runner, but other GOP candidates like State Senator Briggs Hopson could also emerge.
