VOTE411 Voter Guide

Mississippi's 2026 prosperity hinges on addressing education and healthcare. Education needs a comprehensive overhaul: beyond PERS and educator pay, we must fix the school rating system's funding impact. Over-reliance on tests erodes education's social element. Our goal is well-rounded youth with critical thinking, professional communication, and vital academic/social tools. In healthcare, re-evaluating Medicaid is crucial. We must innovate to enhance services responsibly. PACE programs, successful in Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas, offer a promising path for Mississippi to provide comprehensive elderly care.

I believe that real progress for Mississippi stems from unity, and that this unity is best forged through dedicated service to our communities. My wish is to see a Mississippi where the divides of partisanship are set aside, allowing us to work collaboratively in the best interest of all Mississippians. Our people are not just residents; they are the foundation of our economy and the drivers of our state's potential. For Mississippi to thrive in today's global economy, we need a well-educated and healthy population. To that end, we need better paying jobs, better access to quality healthcare, enhanced mental health services, and provide communities with the tools they need to thrive.

Brain drain in Mississippi is a real problem. We can address this by boosting economic opportunities and quality of life. We need competitive jobs in growth sectors (manufacturing, tech, healthcare), infrastructure, and a strong startup ecosystem. We need to focus on offering competitive wages, benefits, and aligning education with industry needs. Retention programs like loan aid for in-state work and internships are vital. Improving K-12 education, healthcare (e.g., PACE), and community vibrancy (culture, recreation, affordable housing) attracts and retains talent. Strengthening education-to-state ties through scholarships and promoting local success stories is another method. This multi-faceted effort by government, educators, and private sector will foster a thriving Mississippi, encouraging talent to stay and invest.

As your state representative for District 16, I will work to advance legislation that expands Medicaid so families can get the care they need without financial burden and our rural hospitals stay open to serve our communities. I’ll also prioritize securing investments to repair and modernize our roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure, making sure every part of our district is safe and built to last. These efforts will create local jobs, attract new businesses, and set the stage for long-term economic growth. My focus is on practical solutions that strengthen our communities and improve everyday life. With steady leadership and a deep love for this place we all call home, I’ll keep working to ensure every family in District 16 has the chance to build a strong future right here in Mississippi.

I see a Mississippi where every family can afford a good life and every young person has the chance to build a future right here at home. I’ll work to strengthen our schools, expand job training, and support small businesses so we can create good-paying jobs and keep our homegrown talent here. I want to make it easier for families to get ahead by backing policies that lower everyday costs like housing, childcare, and other essentials so hard work truly pays off. I’m committed to opening more doors for our youth through scholarships, skills programs, and clear paths to success. Guided by Mississippi values of faith, family, and community, I’ll keep working to give every person a fair shot at a better life.

I want college graduates to see Mississippi as the best place to build their future. I’ll work to grow industries that offer meaningful careers and partner with colleges to connect students directly to local job opportunities. I’ll also support programs that help graduates start businesses and invest in our communities, so they can see a clear path to success right here at home. Keeping living costs manageable, supporting affordable housing, and creating vibrant places to live and work will give young people more reasons to stay. I’m committed to building strong communities and opening doors that make staying in Mississippi an easy choice. By focusing on good jobs, quality of life, and real opportunities, we can keep our brightest minds here, helping Mississippi grow and thrive for generations to come.