Tate Reeves victory Mississippi governor race

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves declared victory in the Mississippi governor's race, with Democratic challenger Brandon Presley conceding. Stay tuned for updates!

Late Tuesday night, Gov. Tate Reeves declared victory in the Mississippi governor's race, with his Democratic challenger Brandon Presley conceding. Reeves, a Republican, received 362,958 votes compared to Presley's 307,612, with 87% of precincts reported. However, if neither candidate secures at least 50% of the votes, the race will move to a runoff on Nov. 28.

The election night in Mississippi saw polling results coming in, with polls in most of Mississippi closing, and voting in Hinds County extended until 8 p.m. CST. Several polling places in Jackson suburbs had to extend voting until 9 p.m. due to ballot shortages. This was after a judge extended voting times in Mississippi's largest county by an hour, until 9 p.m. Eastern time, following a petition filed by the Mississippi Democratic Party and a nonpartisan group, Mississippi Votes.

The gubernatorial election in Mississippi is one of three governor races nationwide, with the other two in Kentucky and Louisiana. If neither Reeves nor Presley secures at least 50% of the votes, the race will be moved to a runoff on Nov. 28. Additionally, there are 54 state office races voters may cast ballots for, including lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state auditor, state treasurer, commission of agriculture and commerce, transportation and public service commissioners.

In DeSoto County, the ballot includes 25 positions, with only a few competitive ones to choose from, including a special election for a county school board District 3 position and county supervisor Districts 1, 5, and 3. The remaining seats will be filled by Republican candidates who are unopposed. Polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday, and voters are required to show an official photo ID at their local voting location before casting their ballot.