For the first time in history, an African American will lead his party’s ticket as candidate for governor of the state of Mississippi. Hattiesburg mayor, Johnny DuPree became the first African American to win a major party nomination for Mississippi governor. In a run- off election on Tuesday, he won 55 percent of the vote and will face Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant in November. DuPree was outspent by his opponents but ran a successful grass roots campaign.
In the history of the US, there have only been 3 African American governors since Reconstruction period ended in 1877. They were Virginia Governor Doug Wilder, New York Governor David Patterson and current Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. And since Reconstruction ended, there have only been 3 black US senators which include Edward Brook (D.MA), Carol Mosely Braun (D.IL) and Barack Obama (D.IL). DuPree has said he is aware of the milestone hurdle he had made but does not want to dwell on it.
Going up against the Republican seat vacated by Haley Barbour, Johnny DuPree says this is a David and Goliath story. But, remember, David won that battle. The general election is set for November 2.
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