JACKSON — A distant cousin of Elvis Presley who might have been Democrats’ strongest contender for U.S. Senate in heavily Republican Mississippi says he won’t run this year.
Brandon Presley is a public service commissioner. He said Thursday a Senate race would take him away from important issues as a utility regulator, including efforts to expand high-speed internet access to rural areas.
Republican Sen. Roger Wicker is seeking re-election as the GOP tries to maintain congressional majorities. He’s promoting himself as a supporter of President Donald Trump.
Wicker was appointed to the Senate in 2007 after Republican Trent Lott resigned. Wicker won a special election in November 2008 and was re-elected in 2012.
Chris McDaniel is a GOP state lawmaker who lost a 2014 Senate race. He is considering challenging Wicker.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 49 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.