Mississippi State Auditor Shad White entered the 2027 governor’s race on Thursday, positioning his campaign as a fight against entrenched corruption and waste in Jackson. White, a veteran of Operation Epic Fury in Iran and a captain in the Mississippi National Guard, highlighted his record of uncovering more than $75 million in stolen or misspent taxpayer funds over eight years.
Audit record fuels campaign promise
White told Fox News Digital that his office’s audits have exposed “sweetheart deals, wasteful contracts and unnecessary spending.” He vowed to use those findings to “shut down the whole rotten system” if elected, promising to restore accountability and transparency to state government.
Among the audit highlights, White’s team reported more than $10.5 million in Medicaid benefits provided to illegal immigrants and over $77 million in misspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. The auditor’s office has already recovered $75 million and issued $115 million in financial demands across multiple investigations.
Tax relief and family‑focused agenda
White’s economic platform centers on reducing the tax burden for Mississippi families. He pledged to cut the grocery tax, lower vehicle registration fees and freeze property taxes, arguing that “Mississippi families are getting squeezed at the grocery store, for their car tags, and every time the property tax bill shows up.” He framed these cuts as direct relief for hardworking families while accusing insiders of enriching themselves at the public’s expense.
In addition to tax relief, White emphasized support for military families and veterans, drawing on his own overseas service. “I know what veterans go through,” he said. “As governor, I want to fight for the men and women every single day.” He also highlighted the governor’s role as commander in chief of the Mississippi National Guard, asserting that his military experience gives him a unique perspective for that responsibility.
Trump alignment and political landscape
White identified himself as a supporter of President Donald Trump, noting that the administration’s emphasis on law‑and‑order and fiscal responsibility aligns with his own goals for Mississippi. He positioned his candidacy as a continuation of Trump‑aligned values, promising to bring “political courage” to the state that he says is lacking among current officials.
The governor’s race already includes Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson, former House Speaker Philip Gunn and former Democratic Senate primary candidate Priscilla W. Till. All candidates will vie to succeed Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, who is term‑limited after serving since 2020.
What’s next
White’s campaign will focus on town‑hall meetings across the Magnolia State, targeting rural and suburban voters who feel the pinch of rising costs. He promised to continue aggressive audits while delivering tax cuts and veteran support, framing his bid as a “clean‑up” of the longstanding “good ol’ boys’ club” in Mississippi politics.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
