Philip Gunn announces 2027 run for governor

House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton speaks to reporters following adjournment of the body on the first day of the 90-day Legislative Session at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)– Another Republican has announced their campaign for the 2027 Mississippi gubernatorial election.

Former Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn announced his candidacy Tuesday night in a video posted to social media. 

Incumbent Republican Governor Tate Reeves is term limited.

Gunn served as speaker from 2012 to 2024, and was the first Republican elected to that role since 1876.

He joins what’s becoming a crowded Republican field for this race, with Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson and State Auditor Shad White already announcing their bids for the seat, and others expressing interest in a run.

Gunn says some of his priorities if elected governor include completely eliminating the state’s food tax, expanding Mississippi’s educational gains, expanding the homestead exemption, and lowering utility costs.