38.1%
#41 of 50
Tate Reeves
Mississippi
R
|
2nd term (reelected Nov 2023)
2020-01-14Took Office
6 yrs, 5 moIn Office
263Metrics Scored
629 / 1653Total Points
Section A: Governance
150/300
50%
Section B: State Outcomes
434/975
45%
Section C: Oath Fidelity
+45 (-378 to +378)
Section A — Governance 150/300
9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.
Fiscal Responsibility — 19/45 (42%) 15 metrics
On-time budget submission
Executive budgets submitted on schedule each year. FY2026 budget recommendation released Nov 2024 focused on income tax elimination, infrastructure, and education. Signed $7.135B FY2026 budget June 2025 after calling special session when legislature failed to pass budget during regular session — first special session for budget since 2009.
MS Governor's Office; Joint Legislative Budget Committee; Magnolia Tribune June 2025
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Revenue consistently exceeds estimates. FY2024 ended $181.7M over estimates. FY2025 collected $7.64B — $567.6M surplus over appropriations. Revenue exceeded estimates every month of FY2025 despite ongoing income tax phase-out. Conservative budgeting approach yields consistent surpluses.
MS Legislative Budget Office revenue reports; Magnolia Tribune Oct 2024
2
Rainy day fund management
Working Cash Stabilization Reserve at $667M (end of 2025), equal to 8.7% of FY2025 general fund expenditures. Total reserves including other funds reached $2.8B. Below national median of 49 days' spending but healthy for MS. Legislature proposed dedicating surplus rainy day funds to capital projects.
Pew Charitable Trusts state rainy day fund report 2024; MS State Treasurer
2
State credit rating trajectory
S&P: AA (stable) — outlook upgraded from negative to stable in March 2026, citing structurally balanced budgets and pension reform progress. Moody's: Aa2 (stable). Fitch: AA (stable). S&P had downgraded outlook to negative in April 2024 over weak economics, tax cuts, and pension concerns, but reversed course. State generated record $1B in interest income in 2025.
S&P Global Ratings March 2026; Moody's; Fitch; Magnolia Tribune; Bond Buyer
1
Pension funding ratio trajectory
PERS funded ratio 55.9% as of 2024 — $26B in unfunded liabilities vs national average of 80%. Employer contribution rate rising to 18.4% July 2025 (actuaries say 26% needed). Legislature enacted Tier 5 hybrid plan (March 2026) for new hires combining defined benefit + defined contribution. State contributed $110M supplemental appropriation in 2024 and committed $500M from capital expense fund to reduce unfunded liabilities.
MS PERS 2024 Actuarial Valuation Report; SB 3231; Equable Institute; Reason Foundation
1
Debt per capita trajectory
Net direct debt $5.33B as of June 2023 (2.6% of state revenues). Debt per capita approximately $1,800 — below national average. Conservative borrowing approach. S&P cited structurally balanced budgets in March 2026 outlook upgrade. State pension liability adds $4.3B in off-balance-sheet obligations.
MS State Bond Advisory Commission; Urban Institute MS fiscal brief; S&P March 2026
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
ACFR published within statutory deadlines each year. State Auditor Shad White's office maintained rigorous reporting schedule. FY2024 ACFR completed on time. Comprehensive financial reporting meets GASB standards.
MS State Auditor ACFR records; GASB compliance
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
State Auditor Shad White exposed $77M TANF scandal — largest public corruption case in MS history. TANF scheme ran 2016-2019 under Gov. Bryant but continued into Reeves era. Audit found DHS sub-grants to MCEC (Nancy New) and connected individuals lacked oversight. Six guilty pleas including DHS Director John Davis. Audit also revealed Brett Favre received $1.1M for speeches never given.
MS State Auditor TANF audit 2020; court records; Mississippi Today
1
Federal grant fund accounting
MASSIVE FAILURE. $77M in TANF/TEFAP funds misspent 2016-2019. Brett Favre received $1.1M for speeches never given and $5M directed to USM volleyball stadium. Prevacus (Favre-invested concussion drug company) received TANF funds. Nancy New/MCEC pled guilty. DHS Director John Davis pled guilty. Eight indicted, six guilty pleas. Funds stolen from nation's poorest state's neediest families. FBI investigated. Favre not criminally charged but ordered to repay $730K (Feb 2024).
MS State Auditor TANF audit 2020; FBI investigation; ESPN; NPR Sept 2024; Fortune Feb 2024
0
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
TANF fraud of $77M occurred under essentially zero anti-fraud controls. DHS sub-granted millions to MCEC (Nancy New) without verification. Favre received $1.1M for speeches never given — texted 'If you were to pay me is there anyway the media can find out where it came from and prior to prior.' $5M for USM volleyball. Prevacus drug company funded. Controls nonexistent for sub-grants. Reeves hired investigator Brad Pigott, then fired him when investigation approached volleyball deal.
MS State Auditor; DOL OIG; Mississippi Free Press text evidence; court filings
0
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Revenue consistently exceeds expenditures. FY2024 surplus of $181.7M. FY2025 surplus of $567.6M. State operates $7.135B general fund budget (FY2026) — Reeves called it 'most conservative budget in seven years.' Revenue growing despite income tax phase-out (4.4% in 2025, heading to elimination ~2040). Grocery tax reduced 7% to 5% (July 2025); gas tax raised 18 to 27 cents to offset.
MS LBO revenue reports; Build Up Mississippi Act (HB 1, 2025); Magnolia Tribune
2
Capital budget execution rate
Capital projects proceeding. $110M investment package announced Nov 2024 for industrial sites, workforce development, tourism, and conservation. Legislature proposed dedicating surplus rainy day funds to capital projects. Data center infrastructure development accelerating (Amazon $3B Vicksburg, $10B Madison County).
MS DFA; Governor's Office Nov 2024 announcement; Mississippi Today
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
TANF scandal reveals systematic vendor/contractor oversight failure. DHS sub-granted millions to MCEC (Nancy New) without competitive bidding or performance verification. Nancy New pled guilty. DHS Director John Davis pled guilty to conspiracy. Brett Favre texts to Gov. Bryant: 'Will [Reeves] prior to prior prior prior...' show back-channel coordination. Reeves hired, then fired investigator Pigott when probe neared volleyball deal.
MS State Auditor; court filings; Mississippi Today; Mississippi Free Press
1
Federal funding maximization
MS receives among highest per capita federal aid nationally but REFUSES Medicaid expansion — one of 10 remaining holdout states. KFF estimates 123,000 uninsured adults (74,000 in coverage gap below poverty) would gain coverage. HB 1725 passed MS House Feb 2024 but died when chambers couldn't reconcile. All 2025 expansion bills died in committee by Feb. Reeves called it 'straight Obamacare' and actively opposes. State forfeits billions in 90% federal match.
KFF Medicaid expansion tracker; MS Legislature HB 1725 (2024); MPB Jan 2025; USASpending.gov
1
Program eligibility verification systems
TANF eligibility verification was nonexistent. $77M meant for poorest families in nation's poorest state diverted to: USM volleyball stadium ($5M), Brett Favre speeches never given ($1.1M), Prevacus concussion drug company, Nancy New's personal enrichment, and other connected individuals. MS has ~19.3% poverty rate (highest nationally). 49% of MS households below ALICE threshold. TANF funds that should have served these families were stolen.
MS State Auditor; court filings; Mississippi Free Press; ALICE Project data
0
Legislative Relations — 25/39 (64%) 13 metrics
Signature legislation enacted
Signature legislation: (1) Build Up Mississippi Act (HB 1, March 2025) — phases out income tax from 4.4% to 0% by ~2040, making MS first state to eliminate existing income tax. (2) Medical marijuana (SB 2095, Feb 2022) — 52,000+ patients enrolled by 2024. (3) School choice ESA expansion (HB 1229). (4) PERS Tier 5 hybrid pension reform. Claims $45B+ in private sector investment during tenure. But refuses Medicaid expansion in poorest state.
MS Legislature; HB 1 (2025); SB 2095 (2022); Governor's Office economic data
2
Veto override rate
Zero veto overrides in 6+ years. Strong Republican supermajority in both chambers (34-18 Senate, 77-44 House as of 2024). Legislature generally aligned with governor's priorities on tax cuts and conservative agenda.
MS Legislature Journal; Ballotpedia MS legislature composition
3
Bipartisan bills signed
Legislature is heavily Republican (supermajority both chambers). Medical marijuana SB 2095 had bipartisan support. Medicaid expansion HB 1725 passed MS House with some bipartisan backing in 2024 but died. Income tax phase-out largely party-line. Budget special session (May 2025) required bipartisan cooperation.
MS Legislature vote records; HB 1725 (2024); SB 2095 (2022)
1
Special sessions called
Called special session May 28, 2025 to pass $7.135B FY2026 budget after legislature failed to agree during regular session — first budget special session since 2009. Previously called COVID-related special sessions. Use of special session power is 'governor's superpower' per Mississippi Today analysis.
MS Legislature records; Mississippi Today May 2025; Governor's Office
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
No major executive order legal challenges sustained. COVID-era executive orders (mask mandates, business restrictions) were controversial but not successfully challenged in court. Executive orders on emergency declarations for Jackson water crisis and natural disasters upheld.
MS court records; Governor's executive order archive
3
Line-item veto usage
Appropriate use of line-item veto authority under MS Constitution. Used sparingly due to Republican supermajority alignment. Budget negotiations generally resolved before bills reached desk, reducing need for line-item vetoes.
MS Constitution Art. 5 §72; Governor's budget action records
2
Regulatory burden change
Deregulatory approach. Build Up Mississippi Act (2025) phases out income tax entirely — first state to eliminate existing income tax. Grocery tax cut from 7% to 5%. Business-friendly environment: MS ranked #3 nationally for reshored jobs (2025), #7 in 2024. 'Let's Break New Ground' branding initiative launched to attract investment. $45B+ in private sector investment claimed.
HB 1 (2025); Reshoring Initiative 2025 report; Governor's Office
2
Budget negotiation success
Budgets passed on time 2020-2024. In 2025, House and Senate adjourned without passing 100+ appropriations bills — first budget failure since 2009. Reeves called special session May 28, 2025 to pass $7.135B FY2026 budget. Described it as 'most conservative budget in seven years' that 'essentially halts government growth.'
MS Legislature budget records; Mississippi Today April-May 2025; Magnolia Tribune
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed income tax elimination (HB 1, March 2025 — popular). Medical marijuana (SB 2095, Feb 2022 — restoring voter will after court struck Initiative 65). School choice ESA expansion. Constitutional carry. But signed Build Up Mississippi Act despite known typos in bill that lawmakers inadvertently voted for.
MS Legislature records; Mississippi Today March 2025; MPP
2
Legislative relationship
Generally cooperative relationship with Republican supermajority. Legislature aligned on tax cuts, school choice, anti-abortion agenda. But 2025 regular session ended in budget impasse — House and Senate couldn't agree on appropriations, requiring rare special session. Speaker and Lt. Gov. occasionally diverge from Reeves on Medicaid expansion approach.
MS Legislature records; Mississippi Today 2025 session coverage
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Initiative 65 (medical marijuana) passed by 74% of voters Nov 2020, but MS Supreme Court invalidated it May 2021 on technicality (outdated initiative process requiring signatures from 5 congressional districts when MS only has 4). Legislature passed SB 2095 as replacement; Reeves signed Feb 2, 2022. Program now has 52,000+ patients enrolled after two years of operation.
MS Supreme Court May 2021; SB 2095 (Feb 2022); MS Dept of Revenue; MPP
1
Task force follow-through
Education task force results strong: MS 4th graders #7 in reading (2024 NAEP), up from 46th in 2017 — the 'Mississippi Miracle.' KIDS COUNT ranked MS 16th nationally. But TANF reform recommendations not fully implemented post-scandal. Medicaid expansion task force proposals blocked. PERS reform task force led to Tier 5 hybrid plan (2026).
NAEP 2024; Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT; PERS Tier 5 legislation 2026
1
Policy reversals under pressure
Few major policy reversals. Consistent conservative positions on taxes, Medicaid, abortion. COVID response showed some vacillation: lifted mask mandate March 2021, then reimposed county-by-county mandates for 77 of 82 counties during Delta surge. Maintained opposition to Medicaid expansion despite bipartisan House passage in 2024.
MS Governor's Office; Mississippi Today COVID coverage; HB 1725 (2024)
2
Appointments & Staffing — 14/36 (39%) 12 metrics
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
TANF scandal involved connected individuals appointed/associated with administration. Reeves' brother Todd Reeves texted State Auditor Shad White asking for favorable statement: 'Brett would like you to say something along the lines of the investigation shows Brett has done nothing wrong.' Texts show Favre asked Gov. Bryant Feb 2020: 'Governor, have you spoken to Tate?' about securing state funding. Reeves not charged but proximity documented.
Mississippi Today Aug 2023; Mississippi Free Press text evidence; court filings
1
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled. Reeves announced 5 major appointments Feb 2025 and multiple appointments March 2024. Key constitutional officers (elected, not appointed): AG Lynn Fitch (2nd term), Auditor Shad White, Treasurer David McRae, Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson. Elected in 2023 to 2nd term as SREB Chair (2025-2026). Former Lt. Governor (2012-2020) and State Treasurer (2003-2011).
Governor's Office appointment records; SuperTalk MS Feb 2025; Picayune Item March 2024; SREB
2
State employee turnover
DHS experienced significant turnover during TANF scandal — Director John Davis removed, eventually pled guilty. State employee pay among lowest nationally, driving turnover across agencies. Legislature proposed SB 2374 (2025) for 6% across-the-board raise. MS per capita income lowest nationally (~$28,000). Recruitment and retention chronically challenged.
MS State Personnel Board; SB 2374 (2025); BEA per capita income data
1
Diversity of appointments
Appointments skew less diverse than Mississippi demographics — MS is 38% Black (highest % of any state), but cabinet and appointed positions largely reflect Republican base demographics. Won 2023 reelection 52%-46% in closest MS gubernatorial race since 1999 — worst performance for winning Republican, suggesting demographic disconnect.
MS Governor's Office records; Census demographics; 2023 election results
1
Judicial appointment quality
Judicial appointments generally rated qualified by MS Bar. MS uses nonpartisan elections for most judgeships; governor fills vacancies by appointment. No major controversies with judicial appointees. Courts functioned normally during tenure.
MS State Bar; MS Judiciary; Governor's appointment records
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
MS state employee pay among lowest in nation. Per capita income ~$28,000 — lowest nationally. Legislature introduced SB 2374 (6% raise) and HB 31 (tiered raises: $2,500 for those earning <$25K, $500 for >$50K) for FY2026. Variable Compensation Plan for FY2025 provided some relief. Chronic recruitment/retention challenges — state cannot compete with private sector or neighboring states.
MS State Personnel Board; SB 2374; HB 31 (2025); BLS OES; BEA
0
Whistleblower protection
TANF scandal defendant Nancy New sued Reeves claiming he was protecting himself and political allies from accountability. Reeves hired investigator Brad Pigott to probe TANF scandal, then fired him when investigation approached the $5M USM volleyball deal — raising retaliation concerns. Reeves acknowledged playing 'a role' in sacking Pigott. Filing raised concerns about chilling effect on whistleblowers.
Mississippi Today Oct 2023; Mississippi Free Press; court filings; Reeves statements
1
Inspector General independence
State Auditor Shad White operated independently and aggressively on TANF scandal, exposing $77M fraud. White was appointed by Gov. Bryant (2018), then elected. Independence maintained despite Reeves' brother Todd requesting favorable statements. White's office published comprehensive audit findings that led to six guilty pleas and FBI referrals.
MS State Auditor reports; Mississippi Today Aug 2023 text evidence
2
State employee morale
Low pay (per capita income lowest nationally), TANF scandal fallout at DHS, and chronic resource constraints impact morale. State employment less attractive than private sector or neighboring states. Legislature's proposed 6% raise (SB 2374, 2025) aims to address. High turnover in corrections, social services, and public health agencies.
MS State Personnel Board; SB 2374 (2025); agency staffing data
1
Nepotism/cronyism
TANF scandal is definitionally cronyism. Welfare funds directed to politically connected: Brett Favre ($1.1M speeches never given + $5M volleyball), Nancy New/MCEC (pled guilty), Ted DiBiase Jr. (wrestling connections). Favre texted Bryant Feb 2020: 'Have you spoken to Tate?' Todd Reeves coordinated with Auditor on Favre damage control. Reeves fired investigator Pigott when probe neared volleyball deal. Pattern of political favor in fund distribution.
Mississippi Today; Mississippi Free Press text evidence; ESPN; court filings
0
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior Reeves staff directly charged criminally. DHS Director John Davis (appointed by Gov. Bryant, continued under Reeves) pled guilty to federal conspiracy charges. Nancy New (MCEC) pled guilty. Eight total indicted, six guilty pleas. Favre not charged but ordered to repay $730K. Reeves himself named in civil lawsuit but no criminal charges.
Court records; DOJ; Fortune Feb 2024; Mississippi Free Press
2
Agency performance accountability
DHS accountability failed catastrophically — $77M TANF fraud with zero sub-grant oversight. But education performance is genuinely strong: MS 4th graders #7 in reading (NAEP 2024), up from 46th in 2017. KIDS COUNT ranked MS 16th nationally — highest ever. MS #1 nationally in NAEP adjusted scores (2025 analysis). 'Mississippi Miracle' recognized nationally. Mixed record: worst in welfare oversight, among best in education gains.
MS State Auditor; NAEP 2024; Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT; WDAM April 2025
1
Emergency Management — 16/36 (44%) 12 metrics
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely declarations for multiple disasters. Declared state of emergency for Jackson water crisis Aug 30, 2022 (ended Nov 22, 2022). Multiple hurricane and tornado declarations. COVID emergency declared March 2020. Federal disaster declarations secured from President Biden for Jackson water and severe weather events.
MS Emergency Management Agency; Governor's emergency declarations; FEMA disaster records
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
FEMA Public Assistance secured for Jackson water crisis, multiple tornado events, and hurricane recovery. Biden administration announced $600M infrastructure law allocation for Jackson water system repair (Dec 2022). Federal disaster declarations obtained for each major event during tenure.
FEMA PA records — Mississippi; White House $600M announcement Dec 2022
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Rainy day fund at $667M (end 2025), total reserves $2.8B including other funds. 8.7% of general fund expenditures — adequate for state's fiscal capacity but below national median of 49 days' spending. FY2025 surplus of $567.6M provides additional fiscal buffer. Reserves improved during tenure despite income tax cuts.
MS State Treasurer; Pew Charitable Trusts rainy day fund report; MS LBO
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
Jackson water crisis (Aug-Nov 2022) — O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant failed after Pearl River flooding, leaving ~150,000 residents (80% Black city) without safe drinking water. Reeves declared emergency Aug 30, deployed 600 National Guard members Aug 31 for bottled water distribution. But state declined prior federal requests for support and funding to fix pipes. Second boil water advisory Dec 2022 during winter storm. Lead contamination and discoloration problems persisted into 2023.
EPA emergency order Oct 2022; FEMA disaster declaration; NAACP; Center for Disaster Philanthropy
1
Post-disaster recovery
Jackson water crisis recovery slow and ongoing. EPA declared water safe Oct 31, 2022 but problems recurred Dec 2022. EPA Administrator Regan made 4th visit Nov 2022. Biden admin allocated $600M from infrastructure law for Jackson water repairs. Federal third-party manager appointed to oversee system. DOJ consent decree negotiations. Recovery still incomplete years later — residents still distrust tap water.
EPA; FEMA; DOJ; White House $600M announcement; SPLC
1
Public health emergency response
Mississippi reached #1 nationally in COVID deaths per 100,000 by Aug 2021, surpassing New York. 75 deaths/day at Jan 2021 peak. Record 3,255 cases in single day (Jan 7, 2021) and 98 deaths (Jan 12, 2021). 2nd-lowest vaccination rate nationally (behind Alabama). Reeves lifted statewide mask mandate March 3, 2021, then reimposed county-by-county mandates for 77 of 82 counties during Delta surge but refused statewide reinstatement.
CDC COVID Tracker; Mississippi Free Press; Mississippi Today; Johns Hopkins
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
CATASTROPHIC. Jackson water crisis — capital city's O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant failed Aug 2022 after Pearl River flooding. 150,000 residents lost safe drinking water for weeks. While city management (Mayor Lumumba, Democrat) primarily responsible for decades of deferred maintenance, state failed to intervene despite known deterioration. State had declined prior federal funding requests to fix infrastructure. EPA issued emergency administrative order. Grist reported unspent federal money could have prevented crisis.
EPA Emergency Administrative Order; FEMA; Grist; SPLC; Wikipedia Jackson water crisis
0
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Deployed 600 National Guard members Aug 31, 2022 for Jackson water crisis — distributed bottled water and hand sanitizer to 150,000 affected residents. Guard also deployed for tornado, hurricane, and severe weather events. COVID-era Guard deployment for testing and vaccination sites. Appropriate and timely use of Guard authority.
MS National Guard; Governor's Office emergency orders; media coverage
2
Emergency communication
Regular press conferences during Jackson water crisis and COVID peaks. Social media and traditional media used for emergency alerts. MEMA coordinated communications during tornado and hurricane events. Reeves held multiple COVID press briefings. Ended Jackson emergency Nov 22, 2022, stating city's 'crisis of incompetence continues.'
MS Emergency Management Agency; WLBT Nov 2022; Governor's press conferences
3
Interagency coordination
State-city coordination broke down during Jackson water crisis. Deep political tensions between Republican Reeves and Democratic Mayor Lumumba contributed to delayed response. State took control of Jackson airport via SB 2162 (2016 law replacing city board with state-appointed majority) — JMAA sued, calling it 'unconstitutional takeover.' Legislature also proposed state takeover of Jackson water system. Pattern of state-city conflict along racial/partisan lines in 80% Black capital city.
EPA records; SB 2162 airport takeover; JMAA v. Reeves (FindLaw); Mississippi Today
1
Pandemic response metrics
POOR. Mississippi #1 nationally in COVID deaths per 100,000 by Aug 2021. 2nd-lowest vaccination rate (behind Alabama). 1,240 COVID deaths in Jan 2021 alone (worst single month). Record 3,255 daily cases Jan 7, 2021. Reeves lifted mask mandate March 2021, said Mississippians were 'a little less scared.' Healthcare system overwhelmed at peaks. State has worst economic hardship index nationally — limited health infrastructure to respond.
CDC COVID Tracker; Mississippi Free Press; Johns Hopkins; USAFacts
0
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Jackson water crisis exposed severe infrastructure failures — O.B. Curtis plant failed Aug 2022. Second failure during Dec 2022 winter storm (frozen/burst pipes). EPA emergency administrative order issued. $600M federal allocation for repairs. Hurricane vulnerability on Gulf Coast (Keesler AFB area, Biloxi). Camp Shelby (largest state-owned training site in US) adds to emergency infrastructure profile. State infrastructure rating poor — roads, bridges, water systems aging statewide.
MS MEMA; EPA Emergency Order; Biden $600M allocation; ASCE infrastructure report card
1
Transparency & Ethics — 25/39 (64%) 13 metrics
FOIA/open records compliance
Mississippi Public Records Act (MS Code 25-61-1 et seq.) compliance maintained. State agencies generally responsive to records requests. However, TANF-related records required auditor and court intervention to obtain. Governor's office maintains standard FOIA response procedures.
MS Ethics Commission; AG records; MS Public Records Act
2
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's schedule published on governorreeves.ms.gov. Regular press conferences during emergencies (COVID, Jackson water crisis). Newsroom section maintained with press releases and statements. Schedule detail comparable to peer Southern states.
governorreeves.ms.gov; MS Governor's Office media records
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations reported for either 2019 or 2023 campaigns. Won 2019 election as sitting Lt. Governor. Won 2023 reelection 52%-46% over Democrat Brandon Presley — closest MS gubernatorial race since 1999. Filings in compliance with MS Secretary of State requirements.
MS Secretary of State campaign finance records; 2023 election results
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed with MS Ethics Commission as required. Former State Treasurer (2003-2011) — extensive financial background. Personal financial disclosures show compliance with state ethics requirements.
MS Ethics Commission financial disclosure records
2
Open meetings compliance
No major open meetings violations documented. Executive branch meetings comply with MS Open Meetings Act (MS Code 25-41-1). AG's office has not issued adverse rulings against governor's office on open meetings compliance.
MS AG open meetings decisions; MS Open Meetings Act
3
Open data portal
Mississippi open data portal (data.ms.gov) exists but limited compared to peer states. Fewer datasets published than national average. Budget data available through Joint Legislative Budget Committee website. Revenue reports published monthly. Room for improvement in government data accessibility.
data.ms.gov; MS Joint Legislative Budget Committee; US PIRG open data rankings
1
Budget transparency
Budget documents published on Joint Legislative Budget Committee website (lbo.ms.gov). Executive budget recommendations released annually (FY2026 released Nov 2024). Legislative session budget summaries posted as PDFs. Monthly revenue collection reports publicly available. $7.135B FY2026 budget details transparent.
lbo.ms.gov; Governor's FY2026 budget recommendation; MS LBO fiscal reports
2
Lobbying disclosure
Lobbying disclosure maintained through MS Ethics Commission. Lobbyist registration and reporting required under MS Ethics in Government Act. Commission publishes registered lobbyist lists and expenditure reports. Standard compliance framework.
MS Ethics Commission; MS Ethics in Government Act
2
IG report publication
State Auditor Shad White aggressively published TANF audit findings, leading to eight indictments and six guilty pleas — largest public corruption case in MS history. Auditor reports publicly available. White operated independently despite political pressure, including Todd Reeves' request for favorable Favre statement. Audit transparency on TANF was exemplary.
MS State Auditor reports; Mississippi Today; Mississippi Free Press
2
Legislative audit cooperation
TANF scandal raised cooperation questions. Todd Reeves (governor's brother) texted Auditor White requesting favorable statement for Favre. Nancy New sued Reeves claiming he was protecting himself. Reeves hired then fired investigator Brad Pigott when probe approached volleyball deal — Reeves acknowledged 'playing a role' in termination. Raises serious questions about cooperation with oversight of scandal.
Mississippi Today Aug 2023; Mississippi Free Press; court filings
1
Press conference accessibility
Press conferences held regularly during COVID crisis and Jackson water emergency. Maintains active newsroom on governorreeves.ms.gov. Held press conference May 27, 2025 announcing special session. Media access standard for Southern governor. Some criticism of limited press availability on TANF scandal specifically.
MS Governor's Office media records; governorreeves.ms.gov/newsroom
2
State contract transparency
TANF sub-grants completely lacked transparency. DHS awarded millions to MCEC (Nancy New) without competitive bidding, performance metrics, or public disclosure. Sub-grants to connected individuals (Favre, DiBiase) not publicly reported. $77M in welfare funds distributed with essentially no public contract transparency. State Auditor's exposure of fraud was the transparency mechanism — not the contracting system itself.
MS State Auditor TANF audit; DHS contract records; court filings
1
Court order compliance
General compliance with court orders. Jackson airport takeover case (JMAA v. Reeves) ongoing — Fifth Circuit ordered dismissal Nov 2024 but city scored victory May 2025. Parchman prison DOJ findings require compliance response. Jackson water crisis consent decree negotiations with federal court.
Court records; JMAA v. Reeves (FindLaw 2025); DOJ Parchman findings
2
Ethics & Integrity — 25/39 (64%) 13 metrics
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges against Reeves personally. FBI investigated but has not accused him of a crime. However, text messages show Favre asking Gov. Bryant Feb 2020: 'Governor, have you spoken to Tate?' about state funding for volleyball. Texts from Reeves' Lt. Gov. period show communication about using state funds for USM volleyball facilities. Named as defendant in civil lawsuit but no criminal exposure.
Court records; FBI investigation; Mississippi Free Press text evidence; civil suit filings
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No formally substantiated ethics complaints through MS Ethics Commission. But TANF scandal proximity raises major ethical concerns. Mississippi Free Press published texts showing Reeves (as Lt. Gov.) discussed using state funds for USM volleyball with Favre. Brother Todd coordinated damage control with Auditor. Hired then fired investigator Pigott when probe neared volleyball deal. No formal ethics investigation opened against Reeves personally.
Mississippi Free Press text evidence; Mississippi Today; MS Ethics Commission
1
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed with MS Ethics Commission as required. No documented violations. Former State Treasurer (2003-2011) with long history of financial compliance and disclosure.
MS Ethics Commission gift/travel disclosure records
2
Conflict of interest
TANF scandal raises serious conflict-of-interest questions. Favre endorsed Reeves for governor and was hoping Reeves would help find public funding for completed volleyball stadium. Texts show direct communication between Favre and Reeves (as Lt. Gov.) about state funds. Brother Todd's damage control coordination with Auditor suggests family involvement. Reeves fired investigator Pigott — acknowledged 'playing a role' in termination.
Mississippi Today; Mississippi Free Press texts; civil lawsuit filings; ESPN
1
State resources for political purposes
TANF scandal involved diversion of $77M in federal welfare resources to politically connected individuals. Scheme ran 2016-2019, primarily under Gov. Bryant, but Favre texted Bryant Feb 2020 asking if Reeves (now governor) would continue support. Favre had endorsed Reeves' 2019 campaign. Public resources diverted: $5M volleyball stadium, $1.1M phantom speeches, Prevacus drug company funding — all while MS had highest poverty rate nationally.
MS State Auditor; court filings; ESPN; Mississippi Free Press; NPR
1
Truthfulness — official statements
Reeves claimed no knowledge of TANF misuse, but Mississippi Free Press published text messages contradicting this — showing direct Reeves-Favre communication about using state funds for volleyball facilities during his Lt. Governor tenure. Favre texted Bryant asking if 'Tate' was on board. Reeves' Sept 2022 public response to TANF investigation did not address text evidence directly. Pattern of contradiction between public statements and documented communications.
Mississippi Free Press text evidence; WDAM Sept 2022; Reeves public statements
1
Ethics protection — strengthened or weakened
Despite $77M TANF scandal — largest corruption case in MS history — no comprehensive ethics reform legislation enacted. Nancy New sued claiming Reeves was protecting himself. Reeves fired investigator Pigott rather than strengthening oversight. No new sub-grant transparency requirements. No enhanced whistleblower protections. Ethics framework unchanged despite systemic failure that enabled nation's biggest welfare fraud.
Mississippi Today Oct 2023; court filings; MS Legislature records
1
Emoluments/self-enrichment
No direct self-enrichment from TANF funds documented. Connected individuals benefited (Favre, Nancy New, DiBiase), not Reeves personally. Financial disclosures show no unexplained wealth. Former State Treasurer (2003-2011) with documented financial history. No self-enrichment allegations in civil lawsuits.
Court records; financial disclosures; civil lawsuit filings
2
Donor-to-appointment pipeline
TANF scandal reveals donor/supporter-to-benefit pipeline. Favre endorsed Reeves for governor, then sought state funding for volleyball. Favre texted Bryant Feb 2020: 'Governor, have you spoken to Tate?' about continuing public funding. Nancy New (MCEC) and connected individuals received TANF sub-grants without oversight. While formal appointment pipeline less relevant (key officials are elected in MS), the political favor pipeline for fund distribution is documented.
Court filings; text message evidence; Mississippi Today; ESPN; Mississippi Free Press
1
Foreign influence
No foreign influence connections documented. No foreign lobbying or foreign government interaction issues. Mississippi's economy has some international investment (automotive manufacturing) but no ethical concerns regarding foreign influence on governor's office.
MS Ethics Commission; FARA records
3
Harassment — workplace/sexual
No workplace or sexual harassment complaints filed against Reeves or documented against senior staff. No public allegations. Clean record on this metric through six years in office.
MS Governor's Office HR records; media records
3
Records preservation
No records destruction allegations against governor's office. Text messages from TANF scandal were preserved and entered as evidence in civil lawsuits and court proceedings. State Archives maintained records protocols. No spoliation claims in ongoing TANF litigation.
MS State Archives; court records; civil lawsuit filings
3
Revolving door compliance
No revolving door violations documented. No former senior staff moved to lobbying roles in violation of ethics rules. Reeves himself served continuously in state government: State Treasurer (2003-2011), Lt. Governor (2012-2020), Governor (2020-present) — no private sector revolving door.
MS Ethics Commission; Ballotpedia career history
3
Program Management — 12/36 (33%) 12 metrics
Major fraud in state programs
CATASTROPHIC. $77M TANF/TEFAP welfare fraud — largest public corruption case in MS history. Scheme ran 2016-2019: DHS Director John Davis pled guilty (conspiracy). Nancy New/MCEC pled guilty. Eight indicted, six guilty pleas. Favre received $1.1M for phantom speeches, $5M for USM volleyball, and Prevacus (concussion drug company) received TANF funds. Favre ordered to repay $730K (Feb 2024). Funds stolen from nation's poorest state — MS poverty rate ~19.3%, highest nationally.
MS State Auditor; DOJ; FBI; NPR Sept 2024; Fortune Feb 2024; court records
0
Program integrity — improper payments
TANF program had zero integrity controls on sub-grants. DHS distributed millions to MCEC (Nancy New) without competitive bidding, eligibility verification, or performance monitoring. Improper payment rate for misused TANF sub-grants was 100%. No verification that funds reached intended TANF beneficiaries. Scheme continued from 2016-2019 before State Auditor White exposed it in 2020. Controls still inadequate for years after scandal broke.
MS State Auditor TANF audit; DHS records; court filings
0
IT modernization vs failures
Limited IT modernization — MS lags in state technology adoption. However, massive data center investments signal infrastructure improvement: Amazon $10B Madison County (2024), Amazon $3B Vicksburg (2025), combined $29B in data center investments statewide. State government IT systems themselves remain dated. MS ranks among lower states in digital government services.
MS ITS records; Amazon data center announcements; digital government rankings
1
Permit/license processing
Business-friendly approach with streamlined permitting. MS ranked #3 nationally for reshored jobs (2025), #7 in 2024 per Reshoring Initiative. $110M state investment in industrial sites (Nov 2024). 'Let's Break New Ground' initiative launched to attract companies. Data center permitting fast-tracked for Amazon and others. Processing times competitive with peer Southern states.
MS regulatory agencies; Reshoring Initiative 2025; Governor's Office Nov 2024
2
Child welfare outcomes
Child poverty rate remains highest or near-highest nationally (~27%). TANF funds ($77M) that should have served children in nation's poorest state were stolen. However, education metrics improved dramatically — KIDS COUNT ranked MS 16th nationally in education (highest ever). 4th grade reading #7 nationally (NAEP 2024). Contradiction: education gains coexist with devastating child welfare fraud.
MS DHS; ACF CFSR; Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT; NAEP 2024
1
Medicaid administration
Mississippi has NOT expanded Medicaid — one of 10 remaining holdout states. KFF estimates 123,000 uninsured adults eligible (74,000 below poverty in coverage gap). HB 1725 passed MS House Feb 2024 with work requirements but died when chambers couldn't reconcile. All 2025 expansion bills died by Feb. Reeves called it 'straight Obamacare.' MS has worst health outcomes nationally: highest obesity, diabetes, heart disease rates. Lowest life expectancy. State forfeits billions in 90% federal match.
KFF Medicaid tracker; MS Division of Medicaid; HB 1725 (2024); MPB Jan 2025
0
Environmental compliance
Jackson water crisis (Aug-Nov 2022) revealed catastrophic environmental infrastructure failure. EPA issued emergency administrative order Oct 2022. EPA Administrator Regan made 4 visits to Jackson (since Nov 2021). Federal third-party manager appointed. $600M federal allocation for repairs. Lead contamination and water quality issues persisted post-emergency. Ongoing DEQ compliance challenges statewide.
EPA Region 4; MS DEQ; EPA emergency order; White House $600M announcement
1
Transportation project delivery
MDOT projects proceeding normally. Highway infrastructure maintained at state-typical levels. $110M investment package (Nov 2024) includes industrial infrastructure upgrades. Federal infrastructure law funds flowing to MS for roads, bridges, and broadband. Data center infrastructure development (Amazon $13B+) improving regional transportation networks. MS DOT managing standard federal-aid highway program.
MS DOT; FHWA data; Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations to MS
2
Unemployment insurance system
Mississippi UI maximum weekly benefit $235 — among lowest nationally. System functional but benefit levels inadequate. MS non-farm employment reached record high 1,205,500 in Aug 2024. Unemployment rate relatively low. Reeves ended enhanced federal pandemic UI benefits early (June 2021), citing workforce shortage concerns. System processed pandemic claims with delays but avoided catastrophic failures seen in some states.
MS Department of Employment Security; DOL data; BLS employment data
1
Veterans services
Veterans services maintained. MS has significant military presence: Keesler AFB (Biloxi, electronics training center of excellence), Columbus AFB (trains ~50% of AF pilots), Camp Shelby (largest state-owned training site in US, FORSCOM mobilization station), Stennis Space Center (NASA's largest rocket test complex). Military installations contribute $3B+ annually, employing 25,000+. Veterans services support this substantial community.
MS Veterans Affairs Board; MilitaryBases.com; DoD installation data
2
Housing/homelessness
Mississippi has lowest cost of living nationally (BEA RPP ~85). Housing very affordable — median home value among lowest in US. Homelessness rate lower than most states. But housing quality challenges persist in Delta region and rural areas. Jackson water crisis forced some residents from homes — SPLC reported eviction threats for affected residents. Low cost reflects low wages, not genuine affordability when per capita income is lowest nationally.
HUD data; BEA RPP; SPLC Jackson water evictions; Census ACS housing data
2
Corrections system
Mississippi corrections crisis. DOJ investigation began Feb 2020, found Parchman violates inmates' 8th/14th Amendment rights: failure to protect from violence, inadequate mental health treatment, excessive solitary confinement. Feb 2024: DOJ found unconstitutional conditions at 3 more prisons (Central MS, South MS, Wilkinson County). Parchman homicide rate 5x statewide rate (2015-2024). 43 homicides in past decade, only 16 indicted. Senate bill proposed shuttering most of Parchman (2024). Federal lawsuits, ACLU involvement ongoing.
DOJ Feb 2020 investigation; DOJ Feb 2024 findings; ProPublica; Marshall Project Oct 2025; Prison Legal News
0
Federal Relations — 5/15 (33%) 5 metrics
Federal funding captured
MS receives among highest per capita federal aid nationally. Secured $600M federal allocation for Jackson water repairs (Dec 2022). Federal infrastructure law funds flowing to MS. Keesler AFB, Columbus AFB, Camp Shelby, Stennis Space Center contribute $3B+ annually to state economy. But REFUSES Medicaid expansion (forgoing billions in 90% federal match). $77M in TANF federal funds stolen. Net: significant federal funding captured for military/infrastructure, but voluntary forfeiture of healthcare funding.
USASpending.gov; KFF; White House $600M announcement; DoD installation data
1
Corrective action compliance
Multiple federal corrective action fronts: (1) TANF — $77M fraud triggered federal investigation and recovery litigation. (2) Jackson water — EPA emergency order, federal third-party manager appointed, DOJ consent decree negotiations. (3) Prisons — DOJ found unconstitutional conditions at 4 facilities (Parchman, Central MS, South MS, Wilkinson County). State engaged on all fronts but underlying failures are systemic.
EPA emergency order; DOJ prison findings Feb 2024; federal grant compliance records
1
Interstate compacts/cooperation
Active in Southern Regional Education Board — elected 2025-2026 SREB Chair. Southern Governors' Association participation. Multi-state AG lawsuits supporting federal immigration enforcement. Standard interstate cooperation on emergency management (hurricanes, severe weather). Gulf Coast coordination on military installations and disaster response.
SREB; Interstate compact registries; MS AG multi-state lawsuit records
2
State-local government relations
SEVERE state-city tensions with Jackson (capital, 80% Black, Democratic). State took control of Jackson airport via SB 2162 — replacing city board with state-appointed majority (2 governor, 1 Lt. Gov., 1 Adjutant General, 1 MDA appointees). JMAA sued, calling it 'unconstitutional takeover' — litigation ongoing (FindLaw 2025). Legislature proposed state takeover of Jackson water system (died in House 2024). Legislature imposed state oversight on Jackson police (Capitol Complex Improvement District). Pattern of Republican state preempting Democratic city governance.
SB 2162; JMAA v. Reeves; Capitol Complex legislation; Mississippi Today; Jackson Free Press
0
Litigation cost to state
Costly multi-front litigation: (1) TANF civil recovery — $77M in ongoing recovery litigation, Reeves named as defendant. (2) Parchman prison — DOJ findings at 4 facilities, federal lawsuits, potential consent decree. (3) Jackson water — DOJ consent decree negotiations, EPA emergency order compliance. (4) Jackson airport — JMAA v. Reeves (ongoing since 2016, trial set for 2026). (5) Nancy New's civil suit against Reeves. Significant cumulative legal exposure for state.
MS AG office; court records; JMAA v. Reeves; DOJ Parchman findings
1
Constituent Service — 9/15 (60%) 5 metrics
Constituent response time
Governor's office maintains constituent services through governorreeves.ms.gov contact portal. Standard response procedures for inquiries. Office handles pardons, commutations, and constituent casework. Active social media presence for public communication. Newsroom regularly updated with press releases and policy announcements.
MS Governor's Office; governorreeves.ms.gov
3
Town halls/public engagement
Limited formal town hall engagement compared to peer governors. Reeves prefers press conferences and social media over town halls. Economic development announcements serve as de facto public engagement (Amazon $3B announcement Nov 2025, $110M investment Nov 2024). State of the State addresses delivered annually. SREB Chair role (2025-2026) adds national engagement dimension but not direct constituent contact.
MS Governor's Office public schedule; SREB; media coverage
1
Satisfaction/approval rating
Among 11 most unpopular governors nationally (Morning Consult Q1 2025). Tied for least popular governor in Q2 2023 with +6 net approval (48% approve, 42% disapprove). Never surpassed 52% approval in Morning Consult surveys. The Hill noted 'least popular US governor' status (late 2023). TANF scandal and Jackson water crisis deeply damaged credibility. Still won 2023 reelection 52%-46% due to MS Republican lean.
Morning Consult Governor Approval Tracker; The Hill Dec 2023; 2023 election results
1
ADA/accessibility compliance
No reported ADA compliance issues with governor's office or executive branch. governorreeves.ms.gov maintains accessibility features. State agencies comply with federal ADA requirements. No documented complaints or lawsuits regarding governor's office accessibility.
MS Governor's Office; ADA compliance records
2
Electoral mandate/succession
Won 2019 (as Lt. Gov.) and 2023 reelection (52%-46% over Brandon Presley — closest MS gubernatorial race since 1999, worst for winning Republican, best for losing Democrat). MS has 4-year terms with 2-term limit. Current 2nd term ends Jan 2028. Cannot run again. Career: State Treasurer (2003-2011), Lt. Governor (2012-2020), Governor (2020-present). Despite TANF scandal and low approval, won reelection due to strong Republican lean of MS.
MS Secretary of State; Ballotpedia; PBS; NPR 2023 election coverage
2
Section B — State Outcomes 434/975
13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.
Economic Performance — 40/75 (53%)
$45B+ in private sector investment during tenure. 2nd nationally in household income growth 2024. 7th for reshored jobs (3rd in Q1 2025). But MS still has lowest per capita income nationally. Poverty rate ~19.3% — highest or near-highest nationally. 49% of households below ALICE threshold.
Population & Demographics — 25/75 (33%)
Census 2024: MS population 2,943,045 — down ~45,000 from 2014 peak. 80,000 more residents left than moved in (2010-2024), 6th worst net migration nationally. Brain drain crisis: only 2 university graduates arrive for every 3 who leave — net loss of 57,000 four-year graduates living in other states. State lost 1/10th of 25-34 year olds (40,000) through outmigration (2010-2020). STEM workers worst: for every 10 MS natives in tech, 8 have left. 16,000 more deaths than births since 2020 (natural decrease). Rural Delta counties devastated — Sharkey County -18.2%, Quitman County -14.1%. Demographics: 56.3% White, 37.0% Black. Suburban/coastal growth partially offsets rural collapse.
Budget & Fiscal Health — 40/75 (53%)
Conservative fiscal management. Budgets balanced. Income tax phase-out in progress (reducing revenue long-term). Pension underfunded (~60%). But TANF scandal represents $77M in stolen federal funds. Credit rating stable but lower than most states.
Public Safety — 25/75 (33%)
MS ranked 41st in public safety (2024). Jackson violent crime: 5.2 per 1,000 residents (2024), property crime 35.3/1,000 — among highest in America. 1-in-28 chance of victimization. Motor vehicle theft in Jackson: 1-in-160 (worst in state). BUT Jackson homicides down 50% through May 2025 vs same period 2024 — significant improvement. Jackson police force critically understaffed: only 268 sworn officers (2024) for 150,000+ population. Parchman prison: DOJ found unconstitutional conditions at 4 facilities (Feb 2024). State-city tensions (Capitol Complex policing district, airport takeover SB 2162) exacerbate public safety governance.
Education Outcomes — 50/75 (67%)
STRONGEST AREA. Mississippi 4th graders #9 reading, #16 math nationally (NAEP). State ranked 16th nationally in education by Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT — highest ever. Dramatic improvement from historical last place. School choice expansion. But still bottom-third in many education metrics overall.
Healthcare Access — 13/75 (17%)
WORST AREA. Mississippi has NOT expanded Medicaid — coverage gap affects ~300K+. Worst or near-worst health outcomes nationally (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, life expectancy). 109 primary care HPSAs. Rural hospitals closing. Highest uninsured rate among poorest residents. Healthcare infrastructure deeply inadequate. UPDATE (Apr 2026): Vetoed the 'Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act' (HB 1152) and HB 895. Also vetoed rural health oversight bill.
Infrastructure Quality — 20/75 (27%)
Jackson water crisis — capital city lost safe drinking water (150,000 affected). EPA emergency order. Federal intervention required. Infrastructure rating poor. Roads/bridges below national average. Decades of underinvestment. Rural broadband limited.
Cost of Living — 55/75 (73%)
Mississippi has lowest cost of living in nation (BEA RPP ~85). Housing very affordable. Income tax being phased out reduces tax burden. But low cost reflects low wages — not genuine affordability when incomes are lowest nationally.
Transparency & Accountability — 27/75 (36%)
TANF scandal exposed massive transparency failure — $77M in federal funds misappropriated. Texts between Reeves and Brett Favre contradicted public statements about prior knowledge. Reeves' brother coordinated with State Auditor on damage control. MS Public Records Act (1983) has 32 exemptions and 13 exclusions — among broadest nationally. No mandated response deadline for records requests. Mississippi Accountability and Transparency Act (2008) mandates contract/grant reporting, but DFA transparency portal limited in real-time spending data. State Auditor Shad White operated independently and exposed TANF fraud — demonstrating audit office independence. Budget documents publicly available through DFA but less granular than top-performing states. UPDATE (Apr 2026): Reeves vetoed a bill imposing legislative oversight on his spending of hundreds of millions in federal rural healthcare dollars, claiming it risked $1B in funding clawbacks. Accused Senate of 'possibly criminal' acts.
Controversy & Scandal — 15/75 (20%)
MAJOR SCANDALS. $77M TANF welfare fraud — largest in MS history. Brett Favre texts show Reeves involvement/knowledge. Jackson water crisis. Parchman prison conditions. Refusal to expand Medicaid in poorest state. State-city political warfare with Jackson. All these in nation's poorest, least healthy state.
Historical Context — 30/75 (40%)
Predecessor comparison: Phil Bryant (2012-2020) launched the 'Mississippi Miracle' — Literacy-Based Promotion Act moved MS 4th graders from 50th to 9th in reading (NAEP 2013-2024). VP Vance called it 'pretty incredible.' Bryant appointed to National Assessment Governing Board (Nov 2025). Reeves inherited and continued education gains — MS 4th graders now outperform national average in reading. Urban Institute 2024: MS ranks 1st in reading and math for 4th grade (demographics-adjusted). Private sector investment $45B+ notable. But Reeves tenure defined by TANF scandal ($77M, largest in MS history), Jackson water crisis, Parchman prison, and Medicaid refusal. Historical first: first person elected to two full terms each as governor and Lt. Governor. Legacy deeply mixed — genuine education gains overshadowed by corruption/infrastructure scandals.
Constituent Verdict — 25/75 (33%)
Low approval ratings. TANF scandal damaged credibility. Jackson water crisis eroded public trust. Among least popular governors per Morning Consult. Still eligible for reelection but facing significant headwinds from scandal.
Immigration & Law Compliance — 69/75 (92%)
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +45 (-378 to +378)
126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.
+3Exemplary
+2Strong
+1Adequate
0Neutral
-1Concerning
-2Failing
-3Hostile
Protection of Life
Declaration of Independence: 'Life'; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: -16
Range: -93 to 93
Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
MS violent crime mixed. Jackson violent crime extremely high (5.2/1K) but improving — homicides down 50% through May 2025 vs same period 2024. Statewide rate elevated. Some improvement but from terrible baseline.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; Jackson PD
0
Homicide rate relative to national average
MS homicide rate significantly above national average. Jackson among deadliest cities in America. State ranked 41st in public safety (2024). Homicide rate declining but still 40-75% above national average.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER
-2
Homicide clearance rate
Jackson PD critically understaffed (268 officers for 150K population). Clearance rates below national average. State police assist but urban clearance poor.
FBI UCR; Jackson PD staffing data
-1
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
Jackson police force critically understaffed: only 268 sworn officers (2024) for 150,000+ population. Well below IACP guidelines. State-city tensions exacerbate recruitment. Capitol Complex policing district created by state — unusual state intervention.
FBI LEOKA; Jackson PD; Capitol Complex legislation
-2
Drug overdose death rate trend
MS overdose deaths relatively lower than Appalachian/northeastern states. Moderate problem. No dramatic trends either direction during tenure.
CDC WONDER; MS MSDH
0
Emergency management preparedness
MS faces frequent severe weather (tornadoes, hurricanes). MEMA adequate but Jackson water crisis revealed infrastructure failures. Standard emergency management framework.
FEMA SPR; MEMA
0
Preventable mass-casualty event response
FAILING. Jackson water crisis — capital city lost safe drinking water affecting 150,000 residents. EPA emergency order required. Federal intervention necessary. Infrastructure neglect causing public health emergency. Also Parchman prison humanitarian failures.
EPA emergency order; Jackson water crisis; Parchman DOJ findings
-3
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
MS road and bridge conditions below national average. Infrastructure rating poor. Decades of underinvestment. Jackson water infrastructure catastrophic failure.
FHWA NBI; ASCE MS
-1
Water and dam safety compliance
FAILING. Jackson water crisis — capital city of 150,000 lost safe drinking water. EPA emergency order. Federal intervention required. Catastrophic drinking water contamination crisis equivalent to Flint-level.
EPA emergency order; EPA SDWIS; Jackson water system
-3
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
MS has NOT expanded Medicaid — one of final holdout states. Coverage gap affects ~300K+ residents. Highest or near-highest uninsured rate among poorest residents. Reeves actively opposes expansion.
Census ACS; KFF; MS Division of Medicaid
-2
Maternal mortality rate
MS has among worst maternal mortality rates nationally. Severe racial disparities. Limited OB access in rural areas. 109 primary care HPSAs. Healthcare infrastructure deeply inadequate.
CDC WONDER; MS MSDH
-2
Infant mortality rate
MS infant mortality rate among worst nationally (~8-9 per 1K). Severe racial disparities. Highest or near-highest in nation. Healthcare infrastructure inadequate.
CDC WONDER; MS MSDH
-2
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
MS has Castle Doctrine + Stand Your Ground + no duty to retreat + civil immunity for lawful self-defense. Constitutional carry. Comprehensive self-defense protections.
MS Code §97-3-15; NRA-ILA
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
MS has death penalty. Standard appellate review process. Parchman prison conditions raise concerns about overall justice system integrity. No executions during recent tenure period.
Death Penalty Information Center; MS courts
0
Suicide prevention program funding
MS suicide rate above national average. Limited mental health infrastructure. Underfunded programs. Rural access severely limited. 988 integration incomplete.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP MS
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
Rural MS has significant EMS response time challenges. Jackson EMS strained by understaffing and infrastructure. Large geographic area with limited resources.
MS EMS; NEMSIS
-1
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
MS has moderate opioid problem relative to Appalachian states. Some state response programs. Treatment access limited in rural areas. Average effort.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; MS MSDH
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
MS has VA facilities. State veteran programs modest. Average veteran services for a southern state with significant veteran population.
VA SAIL; MS Veterans Affairs Board
0
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
MS food safety program meets basic requirements. Agricultural state with significant food production. No major outbreaks linked to inspection failures.
FDA; MS DOH
0
Workplace fatality rate
MS workplace fatality rate above national average. Agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing carry elevated risk. Limited OSHA enforcement in some sectors.
BLS CFOI; OSHA
-1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
MS DV programs exist. Shelter capacity limited in rural areas. Average DV response framework. No major reforms or documented failures.
NNEDV; MS Coalition Against DV
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
FAILING. DOJ found unconstitutional conditions at 4 Parchman facilities (Feb 2024). Deaths, violence, and inhumane conditions documented. Federal oversight likely. Among worst prison conditions in nation.
DOJ CRIPA investigation Feb 2024; Parchman conditions reports
-3
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
MS has some environmental health challenges. Jackson water contamination. Industrial pollution along Mississippi River corridor. Gulf Coast environmental concerns. Superfund cleanup pace standard.
EPA Green Book; MS DEQ
-1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
MS traffic fatality rate among highest nationally (~1.8-2.0 per 100M VMT). Rural roads, limited infrastructure, and low seatbelt compliance contribute. Highway safety poor.
NHTSA FARS; MS DOT
-2
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Mississippi's HB 1510 (15-week ban) was THE case in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health (2022) that overturned Roe. Trigger law (SB 2391) activated post-Dobbs — near-total ban with limited exceptions. Most consequential pro-life state action in 50 years.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health (2022); MS HB 1510; SB 2391
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Lowest per-capita homelessness rates nationally (3.5 per 10,000). Rate increased slightly from 3.3. State built fences under I-55. No major mortality initiative.
HUD 2024; WJTV; Mississippi Today
0
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
80,000 net out-migration 2010-2024. Jackson Metro ranked last in population loss per capita. Brain drain crisis. 10+ rural hospitals closed since 2010. But recent reversal: 5,000 net in 2022-2024.
Census Bureau; Mississippi Today
-1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Strong 'refund the police' advocate. Signed four law enforcement bills including death benefits. Expanded state oversight in Jackson. Vetoed overly lenient reform bill.
Governor's Office; WJTV; Mississippi Today
+2
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Vetoed sweeping reform in 2020 that law enforcement called too 'criminal-friendly.' Signed narrower 2021 bill. Generally tough-on-crime posture.
Mississippi Today; Governor's press statements
+1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Introduced Dignity and Safety for Incarcerated Women Act (HB 585) requiring housing by biological sex. Mississippi corrections generally houses by biological sex.
The Advocate; MS Legislature HB 585
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Signed HB 1640 limiting jail detention during civil commitment to 48 hours. Reformed system where mentally ill languished in jail. But MS ranked 51st by Mental Health America.
ProPublica; Governor's signing; Mental Health America
+1
Child Welfare & Parental Rights
Meyer v. Nebraska; Pierce v. Society of Sisters; Troxel v. Granville; 14th Amendment
Score: 10
Range: -75 to 75
Items: 25
Parental rights legislation
MS has traditional parental rights framework. Conservative approach to parental authority. No comprehensive statute but common law protections strong in conservative state.
MS legislature; Parental Rights Foundation
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
MS expanded school choice including ESA programs. Charter schools permitted. School choice expansion supported by Reeves. Growing program.
EdChoice MS; MS legislature
+2
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures
MS has strong parental consent requirements. Parental consent required for most minor medical procedures. Conservative approach maintains parental authority.
MS statutes; Guttmacher
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors
Signed HB 1125 (2023) banning gender-affirming medical treatments for minors — among first states. Comprehensive ban on puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries for minors.
MS HB 1125 (2023); Reuters tracker
+3
Child abuse/neglect — substantiated case rate
MS child abuse rates elevated. Poverty (19.3% overall, higher child poverty) drives vulnerability. CPS system adequate but challenged by scope of need.
ACF NCANDS; MS MDCPS
-1
Foster care — CFSR conformity
MS foster care CFSR performance at standard levels. Some improvement areas. Average for a state with significant poverty challenges.
ACF CFSR; MS MDCPS
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
MS foster care permanency outcomes near average. Standard processing times. System functional but not model.
ACF AFCARS; MS MDCPS
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
MS has trafficking statute and AG program. Mississippi River corridor and Gulf Coast monitoring. Moderate enforcement. Standard framework.
Polaris Project; MS AG
+1
4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
STRONG. Mississippi 4th graders #9 in reading nationally (NAEP). Dramatic improvement from historical last place. 'Mississippi Miracle' — literacy-based promotion act working. Reeves continued gains started under predecessor.
NCES NAEP; Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT
+2
8th grade NAEP math proficiency
MS 8th grade math near national average. Improvement from historical lows but still not strong. KIDS COUNT 16th nationally reflects overall education improvement.
NCES NAEP; KIDS COUNT
0
Parental curriculum transparency
MS has traditional school governance with parental access. Conservative school boards maintain parental-friendly policies. Standard curriculum transparency.
MS DOE; school board policies
+1
Social media — minor protections
MS has not enacted comprehensive social media minor protection legislation. Reliance on federal COPPA baseline.
MS legislature; NCSL tracker
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
MS has some juvenile justice concerns. Parchman conditions (DOJ investigation) extend to youth detention considerations. Juvenile system functional but challenged.
OJJDP MS; DOJ CRIPA
-1
Child poverty rate and state response
MS child poverty rate among worst nationally (~25%+). 49% of households below ALICE threshold. Poverty concentrated in Delta counties. TANF fraud ($77M) directly hurt poorest children and families.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT; TANF audit
-2
Adoption and permanency
MS supports adoption. Faith-based agency protections (HB 1523 framework). Standard adoption programs. No major barriers documented.
ACF AFCARS; MS MDCPS
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
MS has permissive homeschool laws. Certificate of enrollment only. No mandatory testing or curriculum mandates. Strong parental choice protections.
HSLDA MS; MS statute
+2
CSAM enforcement
MS ICAC task force funded. AG prosecution program functional. Standard enforcement for state size.
ICAC MS; MS AG
+1
School safety
MS has school safety programs including SRO availability. School safety framework adequate. No major school safety failures documented.
MS DOE; NASRO
+1
Children's mental health services access
MS mental health services severely limited. Rural access extremely poor. 109 primary care HPSAs. Counselor ratios above recommended. Worst health outcomes nationally extend to mental health.
ASCA; SAMHSA; MS MSDH
-1
Childhood vaccination — parental choice
MS requires medical exemption only for school vaccination — historically strictest state. BUT state courts ruled to allow religious exemptions (2023 court ruling). Transitioning to religious+medical framework. Strong public health outcomes.
MS Code §41-23-37; NCSL vaccination data; court rulings
+2
Child care affordability and access
MS child care access limited, especially in rural Delta. Child care deserts widespread. Low subsidy thresholds. Poverty makes affordability critical but access inadequate.
ACF CCDF; Center for American Progress
-1
Teacher quality and retention
MS teacher salaries below national average. Recruitment challenges especially in Delta. Teacher vacancies in rural areas. Some improvement with $36K minimum salary but still below peers.
NEA salary rankings; MS DOE
-1
Child nutrition — food insecurity
MS child food insecurity among worst nationally. TANF fraud ($77M) diverted funds meant for child welfare including nutrition programs. High poverty drives food insecurity. School meal programs critical lifeline.
USDA ERS; Feeding America; TANF audit
-2
Custody/family court — due process
MS family court due process standard. Youth court system functional. No documented systemic violations.
MS courts; ABA
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
MS IDEA compliance at standard level. 'Needs Assistance' typical for state with resource challenges. Some improvement with education gains.
OSEP annual determinations; MS DOE
0
Faithful Discharge of Duties
Gubernatorial oath: 'faithfully discharge the duties of office'
Score: 14
Range: -123 to 123
Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Conservative fiscal management. FY2025 collected $7.64B — $567.6M surplus over appropriations. Revenue exceeded estimates every month. Consistently balanced budgets with surpluses.
MS Legislative Budget Office; MS DFA
+2
State credit rating stability
S&P AA (stable) — outlook downgraded to negative Apr 2024 over weak economics/tax cuts/pension, then reversed to stable Mar 2026. Moody's Aa2, Fitch AA stable. Net neutral during tenure.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
0
Rainy day fund adequacy
Working Cash Stabilization Reserve at $667M (8.7% of GF expenditures). Total reserves $2.8B. Below national median but healthy for MS. Adequate.
Pew rainy day data; MS State Treasurer
+1
Pension system funding responsibility
MS PERS funded at ~60%. Improvement from lower levels. Making ARC payments. Pension reform progress cited by S&P. But still significantly underfunded.
Pew pension data; MS PERS; S&P report
-1
State debt burden
MS debt per capita below national median. Conservative borrowing. Income tax phase-out may pressure future revenue but current debt manageable.
Census; Moody's state debt medians
+1
Government efficiency
MS state employee headcount standard for state size. No major efficiency reforms or expansions documented.
Census ASPE; BLS
0
Inspector General / auditor independence
State Auditor Shad White operated independently and exposed TANF fraud — demonstrating audit office independence. Reeves' proximity to TANF scandal complicates picture but auditor functioned properly.
MS State Auditor; TANF investigation
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
$77M TANF welfare fraud — largest in MS history. Brett Favre texts show Reeves involvement/knowledge. Reeves' brother coordinated with State Auditor on damage control. Not criminally charged but documented proximity to worst welfare fraud in state history.
TANF investigation; Brett Favre texts; MS State Auditor findings
-2
Executive order restraint
Reeves EO usage within historical norms for MS. No EOs struck down by courts. Standard usage. Capitol Complex policing district was legislative, not EO.
MS EO database; MS courts
+1
Emergency powers — statutory limits
COVID emergency declarations within MS statutory framework. Some criticism of duration but generally within limits. Standard emergency power usage.
MS emergency statutes; MS legislature
0
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Reeves works with GOP supermajority in both chambers. Low veto override rate. Generally productive legislative relationship. Some tensions over budget priorities.
MS Legislature records
+1
Judicial appointments
MS judicial appointments through standard process. No documented patronage issues with judicial branch. Standard merit-based approach.
MS judicial system
+1
Timely execution of laws
Reeves has generally implemented enacted legislation. Income tax phase-out proceeding as enacted. Standard execution of legislative agenda.
MS agencies; legislative oversight
+1
Federal fund utilization
FAILING. $77M TANF welfare fraud — federal funds misappropriated. Largest welfare fraud in MS history. Brett Favre volleyball facility, luxury rehab center funded with TANF money meant for poorest families. Federal fund mismanagement catastrophic.
MS State Auditor TANF audit; federal fraud investigation
-3
Public approval as competence indicator
Low approval ratings. TANF scandal damaged credibility. Jackson water crisis eroded public trust. Among least popular governors per Morning Consult. Below 40% average.
Morning Consult quarterly
-1
State IT security and data protection
MS cybersecurity framework standard. No major state data breaches documented. Average for state size and resources.
NASCIO; MS ITS
0
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Jackson water crisis reveals catastrophic infrastructure failure. Capital infrastructure neglect. ASCE grade D area for water/wastewater. Federal intervention required for basic infrastructure.
ASCE MS; EPA Jackson water order
-2
Disaster fund readiness
MS disaster funds adequate for standard events. FEMA cost-share generally met. But Jackson water crisis was a slow-motion disaster that overwhelmed response capacity.
FEMA; MS emergency management
0
Workforce development — UI system integrity
MS UI system functional. Trust fund adequate. Standard performance. Low benefit levels reflect conservative approach.
DOL UI data; MS DES
0
Medicaid program integrity
MS has not expanded Medicaid but manages existing program at standard compliance. Error rates moderate. No major sanctions. Coverage gap is policy choice, not program integrity failure.
CMS PERM; MS Division of Medicaid
0
Election administration
EXEMPLARY. Voter ID required. SHIELD Act (2026) mandates SAVE database verification of voter rolls. Documentary proof of citizenship for registration. Constitutional ban on non-citizen voting. Paper ballot audit trail. Among strongest election security in nation.
MS SHIELD Act; MS Code §23-15-47; EAC EAVS
+3
Transparency — budget accessibility
DFA transparency portal limited in real-time spending data. 32 exemptions + 13 exclusions in Public Records Act — among broadest nationally. No mandated response deadline for records. TANF scandal exposed lack of transparency.
MS DFA portal; Public Records Act; TANF audit
-1
Intergovernmental cooperation
Full compliance with federal immigration law. Anti-sanctuary state. E-Verify mandate. Cooperative on most federal requirements. Pushed back on federal overreach selectively. Balanced 10th Amendment posture.
Federal compliance records; MS immigration enforcement
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity
LG Delbert Hosemann confirmed (State Senate Pro Tem). Clear succession chain. COOP plan exists. Standard continuity planning.
MS Constitution; FEMA COOP
+1
Anti-corruption — procurement integrity
FAILING. $77M TANF fraud involved misappropriation of federal welfare funds to private interests. Brett Favre volleyball facility. No-bid arrangements. Pattern of funds diverted from poorest families. Largest welfare fraud in state history. Documented proximity via text messages.
MS State Auditor TANF audit; criminal indictments; Brett Favre texts
-3
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Gas tax was 18.4 cents (among lowest) but signed 2025 overhaul raising 9 cents over 3 years for roads. Part of deal to eliminate income tax. Rising but still below average.
MS DOR; Tax Foundation; Mississippi Today
0
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Relatively affordable electricity (~$140/month average). No cap-and-trade or renewable mandates. 'Mississippi Power Play' emphasizes petroleum, nuclear, natural gas.
Entergy Mississippi; Governor's Power Play; EIA
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
Energy strategy: petroleum, natural gas, nuclear — practical approach. Attracted $10B Compass Datacenters and xAI investments. No forced EV mandates. Focus on reliability.
Fox13 Memphis; Governor's press; City Journal
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Lowest effective property tax rates nationally (0.58-0.65%). Median $1,221/year vs national $3,211. Income tax elimination doesn't shift to property taxes.
SmartAsset; Tax Foundation; Construction Coverage
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
'The State That Says Yes' — over $70B in private capital since 2020. Focus on reducing red tape. Certificate of Need reform incomplete.
City Journal; Governor's economic record
+1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
No significant unfunded mandate actions. State-local relationships largely unchanged.
MS Municipal Association
0
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Among most affordable states. Grocery tax cut from 7% to 5%. Income tax phase-out. Per capita income growth #4 nationally Q4 2024. Gas tax increase partially offsets.
Magnolia Tribune; ALEC; BEA
+1
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Non-sanctuary state (banned since 2017). HB 538 requiring all law enforcement to cooperate with ICE. Active support for federal enforcement. Minimal fiscal burden.
VisaVerge; Magnolia Tribune; Mississippi Today
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Minimal homelessness spending — $1.3-1.6M in federal CoC grants. Low rate limits need. Jackson tiny homes show some outcomes focus. No systematic tracking.
HUD grants; WJTV
0
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Post-Grants Pass: HB 1264 and SB 2330 introduced for encampment regulation. Jackson City Council proposed ban. State agencies built fences. Legislature actively responding.
MS Legislature; Mississippi Today; Mississippi Free Press
+1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
80,000 net out-migration 2010-2024. Jackson Metro ranked last. Brain drain well-documented. Recent 5,000 net in-migration but driven by foreign immigration.
Census Bureau; Mississippi Today
-1
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Record $70B+ in private capital since 2020. $10B AWS, $10B Compass, $20B xAI. Ranked #2 in economic growth Q4 2024. All-time low unemployment.
City Journal; Fox13 Memphis; BEA
+1
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No notable DA accountability actions. Mississippi DA system locally controlled.
General policy review
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Citizenship verification law. Photo voter ID. Banned nonprofit election donations. Opposes expanded mail-in. Strong framework.
MS Secretary of State; HB 1510
+2
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of weaponizing state agencies.
General review
0
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
No significant foreign adversary protections at state level.
General policy review
0
Constitutional Rights
Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: 37
Range: -87 to 87
Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
MS has constitutional carry (permitless carry enacted 2016). Strong 2A protections. No restrictions added during Reeves tenure.
MS Code §45-9-101; NRA-ILA
+3
Semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions on semi-automatic rifles beyond federal law. MS has 2A sanctuary legislation. Strongest protections.
MS statutes; NRA-ILA
+3
Magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in Mississippi. Full preemption of local magazine laws.
MS statutes; Giffords
+3
Red Flag / ERPO due process
Mississippi has no ERPO/red flag law. Relies on existing involuntary commitment and criminal charge due process mechanisms. No ERPO legislation proposed.
MS statutes; NRA-ILA
+3
Campus free speech protections
MS has some campus free speech protections. Conservative higher education environment. No major suppression incidents.
FIRE rankings; MS legislature
+1
Anti-SLAPP protections
MS has limited anti-SLAPP protections. Not comprehensive. No major reform during Reeves tenure.
MS statutes; Public Participation Project
0
Religious liberty protections
MS has strong religious liberty protections — HB 1523 (2016, predecessor Bryant) protects sincerely held religious beliefs. Constitutional protection. Reeves maintains framework.
MS HB 1523; MS Constitution; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — digital surveillance warrant requirements
MS relies primarily on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute. Standard framework.
EFF; MS statutes
0
Civil asset forfeiture reform
MS has weak civil forfeiture protections. No conviction requirement. Federal equitable sharing participation. Limited transparency. Among weaker states on forfeiture reform.
IJ Policing for Profit; MS statutes
-1
Eminent domain protections post-Kelo
MS enacted some Kelo reform. Constitutional protection against takings for private use. Standard post-Kelo framework.
MS Constitution; IJ eminent domain
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting
MS has relatively low regulatory burden. Permitting processes reasonable. Business-friendly environment with limited regulatory takings concerns.
Mercatus RegData; MS regulatory agencies
+1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
MS AG joined multistate lawsuits supporting state sovereignty and challenging federal overreach. Reeves resisted federal mandates on multiple fronts. Strong sovereignty posture.
MS AG litigation; multistate lawsuits
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
MS moving toward race-neutral standards post-SFFA. Conservative approach to contracting. Transitioning with clear direction.
MS procurement; SFFA compliance
+1
State preemption of local firearms laws
MS has full state preemption of local firearms laws. Enforced. No local jurisdictions imposing additional restrictions.
MS statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
FOIA compliance
MS Public Records Act (1983) has 32 exemptions and 13 exclusions — among broadest nationally. No mandated response deadline. DFA transparency portal limited. TANF scandal exposed transparency failures.
MS Public Records Act; Maine Policy Institute (comparison); TANF audit
-1
Public defender funding adequacy
MS public defender system significantly underfunded. Caseloads well above recommended maximums. Sixth Amendment concerns documented. Among worst-funded systems nationally.
Sixth Amendment Center; MS OSPD
-1
Bail reform and pretrial detention
MS has standard cash bail system. Some pretrial detention concerns in overcrowded county jails. Not extreme in either direction but jail conditions poor.
Pretrial Justice Institute; MS courts
0
Property rights — regulatory burden
MS has low regulatory burden — among most business-friendly regulatory environments. Limited regulation supports property rights and economic freedom.
Mercatus RegData; Pacific Research Institute
+2
Governor's litigation posture on firearms
MS AG files pro-2A amicus briefs. Defends state pro-2A laws. Joined multistate filings supporting Second Amendment. Proactive 2A litigation posture.
MS AG litigation records; amicus briefs
+2
Compelled speech protections
MS has anti-compelled-speech protections. HB 1523 protects religious expression. No broad compelled speech mandates. Conservative approach to speech protections.
MS HB 1523; MS statutes
+2
Commerce Clause — interstate trade barriers
MS has reasonable interstate commerce environment. Income tax phase-out improving competitiveness. Limited interstate trade barriers.
MS commerce data; income tax legislation
+1
Occupational licensing reform
MS has moderate licensing reform. Military spouse licensing expedited. Some barrier reduction. Average progress.
IJ License to Work; MS licensing
+1
Contract Clause — pension obligations
MS pension system funded at ~60%. PERS underfunded. Making ARC payments but funded ratio below healthy levels. Improvement ongoing but from weak position.
Pew pension data; MS PERS
-1
Jury trial rights
MS maintains standard jury access. Some concerns about court capacity in rural areas. Standard judicial framework.
MS court annual reports
0
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause
EXEMPLARY. Anti-sanctuary state. Full ICE cooperation. BROADEST E-Verify mandate nationally (ALL employers AND independent contractors via SB 2988). No state benefits to illegals. SHIELD Act (2026) mandates SAVE database voter verification. Constitutional ban on non-citizen voting. Documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. National model.
MS SB 2988; anti-sanctuary law; SHIELD Act; MS Code §23-15-47; 8 USC §1373
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
Maintains qualified immunity protections. Has not moved to weaken. State policy supportive of officer protections.
Marshall Project; Mississippi state law
+1
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Photo voter ID required (up to 10 years expired). Signed citizenship verification law (HB 1510) cross-referencing DPS and SAVE database. Banned nonprofit election donations.
Mississippi Free Press; MS Secretary of State
+2
Non-citizen voting prevention
Signed HB 1510 requiring citizenship verification via SAVE databases. Repealed 1924 law to streamline legitimate registration while strengthening screening.
Mississippi Free Press; HB 1510; MS SoS
+2
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed SB 2536 (March 2021) banning transgender athletes K-12 and college. Also banned transgender surgeries/hormones for minors. Among earliest states for comprehensive sex protections.
CBS News; NBC News; Fox News
+3