Brandon Presley discusses campaign and his future in wake of recent loss
The Democratic candidate says he will continue to focus on important issues, as a private citizen
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – For Brandon Presley, getting into a post-election routine has been a challenge.
“It’s a big readjustment every day, I wake up thinking, where do I need to be today and there’s nowhere to be,” Presley said.
Presley said he was able to get a little rest, after the election, but he still has work to do as the Public Service Commissioner for the Northern District.
The former Nettleton Mayor has also reflected on the campaign and the final vote count.
“I realized, I didn’t get the vote in Northeast Mississippi I wanted to get. I need to go out and talk to folks, this race was razor-thin close at the end of the day,” Presley said.
Presley said he understood the challenges of running for Governor in Mississippi as a Democrat.
“I got some fences I need to mend and I’m hoping people see past Party. Look, the National Democratic Party didn’t love the fact that Brandon Presley was pro-life. The national Democratic Party didn’t love the fact Brandon Presley was pro-second amendment,” he said.
Republican State Representative Chris Brown will take over as Northern District Public Service Commissioner in January. For the first time in more than twenty years, Brandon Presley will not hold an elected office.
Presley said he would still be busy.
“I have a list of honey-dos a mile long that I have got to complete. I’m going to stay interested in economic development, rural broadband expansion, and making sure, frankly, that the Democratic party talks to rural Mississippians that have been left out and ignored,” Presley said.
While not ruling out another run for governor in four years, Presley did say he has no plans to switch parties. He said Mississippi voters are weary of partisan politics.
“People want to see both parties sit down and find a way to work through things. I have been that kind of leader my entire career. I will continue doing that, not in public office, but trying to build consensus around the state on issues that matter to us,” he said.
Presley said he has no plans to move out of Northeast Mississippi and is looking at several opportunities for the immediate future.
Presley said he wishes the best for Governor Tate Reeves in his second term.
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