First-time state GOP lawmaker set to enter 2019 race for Mississippi governor

Published 8:56 am Tuesday, December 11, 2018

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A first-term Republican state lawmaker is set to start his 2019 campaign for Mississippi governor, although he says he hasn’t started raising money.

Rep. Robert Foster of Hernando is making an announcement Tuesday evening in DeSoto County.

Foster told The Associated Press on Monday that he feels a “calling” to run for governor, and it’s “not based on the promises of any campaign contribution or endorsement.”

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Republican Gov. Phil Bryant cannot run again because of term limits.

Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is expected to run for governor. His campaign has more than $5 million. Another Republican, Petal Mayor Hal Marx, has announced for governor.

Democrats already in the governor’s race are Attorney General Jim Hood and retired Jackson State University employee Velesha P. Williams.

Party primaries are in August.