Mississippi Rep. Vince Mangold Throws Hat in Agriculture Commissioner Race

By Heather Harrison

Mississippi House Rep. Vince Mangold, the vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, is putting his hat in the race to be the state’s next commissioner of agriculture and commerce, he announced on Sept. 4.

“He wants to help prepare the next generation of Mississippi farmers to take over the family operation, promote Mississippi agriculture nationally and globally, support local growers, and increase our capacity to provide food security to Mississippians,” a Sept. 4 press release from Mangold says. “Mangold has also pledged to oppose foreign adversaries, including China, from purchasing Mississippi farmland, and to ensure strong enforcement of the state’s food labeling and food inspection laws.”

The representative has served House District 43 since 2016 when he defeated 32-year incumbent Democrat and House Minority Leader Bobby Moak. The district includes Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln and Pike counties.

Mangold is also the chairman of the House Ethics Committee and serves on the committees for Appropriations; Conservation and Water Resources; Education; Forestry; Transportation; and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.