Billy Hewes Announces Campaign for Lt. Governor of Mississippi
(Gulfport, Miss.)—State Senator Billy Hewes (R-Gulfport) formally announced his campaign for Lt. Governor of Mississippi today on the start of a four day, eleven city press conference announcement tour of the state.
Senator Hewes began his announcement tour in his home of Gulfport this morning. Other stops on his announcement tour will include Hattiesburg, Jackson, Meridian, Columbus, DeSoto County, Tupelo, Greenwood, McComb, Pascagoula and Picayune.
Joined by friends and campaign supporters at each event, the current Senate President Pro Tempore and legislative veteran talked about the key issues he will focus on addressing as Lt. Governor.
“In the challenging times our state is experiencing, now is the time to keep solid experience leading the Mississippi Senate, and that’s why I’m running for Lt. Governor,” said Senator Hewes.
“I have always stood firm for my beliefs and values, have also learned the importance of working together with Republicans and Democrats to accomplish what is best for our State,” said Hewes. “As a parent and small business owner, I understand the issues people face in their daily lives. I’ve consistently served in the best interest of all Mississippians and will continue to do what’s best for our State as Lieutenant Governor.”
Hewes’s legislative experience includes work towards the passage of multiple lawsuit reform measures, adoption of pro-life legislation, and the creation of thousands of jobs to Mississippi through support of major economic development projects such as Nissan, Toyota, Severstal, American Eurocopter, and Northrop Grumman, to name a few.
He has also worked to promote responsible fiscal policies through the establishment of the State’s Rainy Day Fund and Mississippi’s Prepaid College Tuition Program, and authored landmark consumer protection legislation such as the Real Estate Sellers Disclosure act.
Well-respected Mississippians across the state have announced their support for Senator Hewes’ campaign.
Andy Taggart, of Madison stated, “I have known Senator Billy Hewes since the day he first took office in 1992. And the longer I have known him, the more I admire and respect him. Billy Hewes is the kind of person we would like all our public servants to be. He makes his living in the private sector, he’s not in politics because he needs a job, and his decisions are driven by his character and his principles. If anyone has earned a promotion to higher office, it’s Billy Hewes. And if anyone’s service has prepared him for the specific job of Lt. Governor, that’s Billy Hewes, too.”
Carl Nicholson, Jr. of Hattiesburg expressed his support saying, “I am pleased that Billy Hewes has decided to be a candidate for Lt. Governor in our state. I have known Billy since he became a State Senator and I have been impressed with his leadership during difficult financial periods in Mississippi. Our state will be fortunate to have Billy as our Lt. Governor.”
Tommy Dulaney, of Meridian announced his support stating, “Billy Hewes’ outstanding record of conservative voting, pro-business stance and his service as Senate Pro Tempore makes him and excellent candidate for Lt. Governor.”
Ron Peresich, of Biloxi stated, “Difficult times demand leadership. For twenty years Billy has shown leadership at the highest levels of State government. He has led on critical items such as balancing our budget, support of education and job creation and passage of our Tourism Tax Incentive Bill that will pay big dividends throughout Mississippi as our economy improves.”
Tommy Wallace, of Columbia said, “Billy Hewes has been an outstanding legislator that has proven over his 20 years in the State Senate that he knows how and that he does get things done. He was a strong supporter of Tort Reform which has meant so very much to the business community of Mississippi as well as many, many other programs and legislative issues that made Mississippi a better place to do business and to raise our families. His experience and leadership skills make him the best candidate we could possibly have for Lt. Governor of the State of Mississippi.”
John Hairston, of Gulfport said, “Senator Hewes has served for nearly 20 years in the Mississippi Senate, receiving “A” ratings as a Business Champion every year. This rating, from the Mississippi Business and Industry Political Education Committee, identifies those Legislators with consistent records in supporting legislation considered positive for economic development, job creation, government expense control, and reasonable regulation.
While serving distinctly through many years, Senator Hewes also showed a selfless dedication to Mississippi while returning to the Legislature in the aftermath of Katrina even though his home had massive damage.”
Tom Elmore, of Columbus said, “I have known Billy Hewes the 20 years he has been Senator. Billy is extremely qualified to be Lt. Gov. Senator Hewes has shown an ability to work across party lines for the benefit of Mississippi.”
Tom Gresham, of Greenwood said, “Having worked in the Senate and being a business person—someone who understands the importance of business in Mississippi—Billy Hewes is uniquely qualified to lead, and he can begin the job effectively on day one.”
Unanimously elected by his colleagues as President Pro Tempore, Billy Hewes is serving his fifth term in the Mississippi Senate. Appointed to 13 standing committees, he is responsible for providing leadership in the development and implementation of policy measures, as well as the operational functioning of the Senate.
An outdoor enthusiast and avid musician, Senator Hewes is a charter member of the Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, and serves on the Mississippi Blues Commission. A long-time supporter of our men and women in uniform, Billy is the founding Chairman of the Mississippi National Guard Legislative Caucus. He is also a former National Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council, which is the largest nonpartisan conservative state legislator organization in the country.
Hewes has an extensive list of community service activities. By profession, he is an insurance agent and real estate broker with his family agency in Gulfport, and is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi.
Billy and his wife, Paula, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and make their home in Gulfport with their four children, Katie, Sarah Margaret, Gardner, and Sam.
