As the 2026 midterm elections draw near, political candidates in Mississippi are ramping up their campaigns for the upcoming primary races. With key seats up for grabs in both the state legislature and Congress, the stakes are high for those vying for elected office in the Magnolia State.In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Governor Tate Reeves faces stiff competition from within his own party as several Republican challengers have thrown their hats into the ring. Some of the top contenders include State Auditor Shad White and former Secretary of State Michael Watson, both of whom have strong support from conservative voters.On the Democratic side, several candidates have also emerged to challenge Governor Reeves, including State Senator Derrick Simmons and former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. These candidates are hoping to capitalize on growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and make a strong push to turn the governor's mansion blue in November.In the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Roger Wicker, incumbent faces challenges from both sides of the political spectrum. On the Republican side, State Senator Chris McDaniel is mounting a primary challenge against Senator Wicker, hoping to appeal to the more conservative wing of the party. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Jeramey Anderson, a former state representative, is vying for the chance to unseat Senator Wicker and become the first Democrat to represent Mississippi in the Senate in decades.In the state legislature, all eyes are on the competitive races in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Several incumbents are facing challenges from newcomers who are looking to shake up the status quo and bring fresh ideas to the state capitol.As the primary races heat up, candidates are crisscrossing the state, attending rallies, debates, and town hall events to make their case to voters. Issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation are dominating the conversation, as Mississippians weigh their options and prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming primaries.With so much at stake in this year's elections, political analysts are predicting a high turnout as voters head to the polls to choose their representatives. The results of the primary races will set the stage for what is sure to be a fiercely contested general election in November. Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign season unfolds in Mississippi.