Elvis’ cousin wants to be in the building- Mississippi Governor’s mansion

What it takes to be a Democrat in Mississippi. In certain circles, you can adopt a star left tackle before you meet a Democrat. If you’re a black Democrat in that fine state, you are denied water and self-governance


Conservative Mississippi is tough territory for Democrats, but the party sees an unusual opportunity this year to unseat first-term Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. They’re pinning hopes in November on a candidate with a legendary last name who has used his own compelling story to highlight the economic plight of working families in a state that has long been one of the poorest in America.

Democrat Brandon Presley is a second cousin of Elvis Presley, born a few days before the rock ‘n’ roll legend died. While campaigning, Brandon Presley talks frequently about government corruption, focusing on a multimillion-dollar welfare scandal that developed when Reeves was lieutenant governor.

Presley, an elected member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, is unopposed for the Democratic nomination for governor. He is pushing for Medicaid expansion to help financially strapped hospitals while telling voters about his own difficult childhood.

“I understand what working families in this state go through,” Presley told about 75 people at a restaurant in Grenada, a town on the edge of the Mississippi Delta.


Elvis Presley’s cousin runs for governor in Miss.
Elvis Presley’s cousin runs for governor in Miss. - Tampa Bay Times

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