Jim Hood reacts after loss to Tate Reeves in Governor’s race

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI)- For the first time in eight years there will be a new, but familiar face leading the state of Mississippi.

Republican Candidate Tate Reeves was declared the winner of Tuesday’s gubernatorial race. He defeated Democratic candidate Jim Hood.

It was one of the most highly anticipated gubernatorial races the state has seen in recent years.

Although the Democratic candidate Jim Hood didn’t get the outcome he hoped for, he said he’s proud of the campaign he ran.

He said he will continue to fight for the things he focused on during his campaign run.

A loud cheer erupted inside the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom as Hood took to the podium to thank all of his supporters for voting and believing in him.

“The Lord has allowed me to serve people in the state of Mississippi for 24 years, and it’s been a good run. I guess it was not his will that we continue on as governor,” said Hood.

The Chickasaw County native was looking to become the first Democratic candidate to be elected governor in nearly 20 years.

However, he said partisanship was a big factor that stood in the way.

“That partisanship is a very strong factor. The people in my area up there that I’ve known for years, they decided that partisanship was more important than friendship,” said Hood. “I don’t know what the results of it are, I just know we had an opportunity to really do some things with the kids, our young people, and hopefully Governor Reeves will do some of those things.”

After the results were announced, Hood continued to wear a smile and stayed positive as he interacted with his supporters.

Despite not winning the election, the democratic candidate said he’s committed to moving the state of Mississippi forward.

In fact, just minutes after republican candidate Tate Reeves was declared the winner, Hood called him to discuss priorities he believes still needs to be taken care of.

“Expansion of healthcare, we’ve got to do that. There’s no other way to pay for the federal lawsuit except for expanding healthcare. I told Lieutenant Governor Reeves a few minutes ago that I want to sit down with him and talk to him about that. I still want to see us do 4K education and pay our teachers, fund our schools, and give our kids an opportunity to go to reduced tuition rates at community colleges, and certainly I want to see us fix our roads,” said Hood.

This marks the first time in nearly 20 years Hood won’t be serving as the attorney general. Hood said he doesn’t know what’s next for him, but he is going to enjoy this break from the political realm.

Reeves also defeated David Singletary and Bob Hickingbottom in this year’s governor’s race.

Republicans have been governor in Mississippi for 24 of the last 28 years.