The Mississippi Republican Party welcomed a wave of local elected
officials who officially joined the GOP at a press conference today in Jackson. These public
servants, representing counties and municipalities across Mississippi, previously served as
Democrats or Independents but made the decision to realign with the Republican Party, citing
the shift in priorities within the national Democrat Party and the need to reflect the
conservative values of their communities.
The elected officials joining the Republican Party include:
• Jim Neill, Carroll County Board of Supervisors
• Ron Wood, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors
• Brad Whittington, Attala County Board of Supervisors
• Keith McGee, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors
• Sam Bell, Attala County Coroner
• Robert Ellis, Kosciusko Alderman
• James Culpepper, Kosciusko Alderman
• Mitchell Costilow, North Carrollton Alderman
• Barbara Sheppard, North Carrollton Alderman
These leaders reflect a growing movement across Mississippi: when it comes to
governance, politics is local, but Washington still matters. As the national Democrat Party
continues to embrace extreme policies and leave behind working families, faith-based
communities, and rural America, local leaders are making it clear, they no longer recognize
the party they once called home.
Joining the Republican Party is not just symbolic. It sends a message: Mississippi
communities want leadership that respects their values, puts families first, and stands for
fiscal responsibility, public safety, and freedom. The Mississippi Republican Party is proud to
welcome these officials as they continue to serve their constituents with principled,
conservative leadership. The GOP remains the party of hardworking Mississippians, and this
momentum is only growing.
