Mississippi State Auditor Shad White Announces Gubernatorial Bid

Shad White, the Mississippi State Auditor, has announced his candidacy for governor, aiming to combat corruption and insider politics. White’s office has identified over $75 million in stolen or misused taxpayer funds over the last eight years. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he emphasized his commitment to restoring accountability in the state government.

A veteran of Operation Epic Fury in Iran and a supporter of President Donald Trump, White pledged to eliminate wasteful contracts and unnecessary spending. “In Jackson, there might be two parties, but there’s only one good ol’ boys’ club,” White stated. “As governor, I’m shutting the whole rotten system down.”

White’s announcement follows the resignation of Mississippi District Attorney Jody Owens after pleading guilty in a federal bribery case. The corruption issue remains front and center in Mississippi politics. White argues for the need to reduce fraud and misuse, which he believes is rampant in the state.

“People are hurting right now. What we have here in Mississippi is a lack of political courage,” White said.

White, who served with the Mississippi National Guard overseas, highlighted the courage he witnessed among service members. He compared this with what he sees as a lack of courage among Mississippi politicians. Earlier this year, his office identified $10.5 million in Medicaid benefits provided to illegal immigrants in Mississippi, further indicating widespread financial mismanagement. His office’s investigations have tracked over $77 million in misspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare funds.

White plans to continue addressing government waste and improper spending. He also laid out an economic agenda focused on tax reduction and relieving financial pressure on Mississippi families. “Mississippi families are struggling with rising costs, and insiders are getting richer. We’re going to return wasted money to those who earned it,” he explained. His platform includes cutting grocery and car taxes and freezing property taxes.

The gubernatorial field is competitive, including Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson, former state House Speaker Philip Gunn, and former Democratic Senate primary candidate Priscilla W. Till. They aim to succeed Republican Governor Tate Reeves, who cannot seek a third term due to term limits.

White also emphasized his focus on military families and veterans, based on his own experiences. He expressed his desire to support veterans and their families, saying, “I know what veterans go through, and I want to fight for them as governor.” White believes his military service provides him with a unique perspective for overseeing the Mississippi National Guard, a role held by the governor.

The Mississippi gubernatorial election is set for November 2027.