Buffington joins race for State Auditor

Buffington joins race for State Auditor. Buffington joins race for State Auditor.

Key points

• Financial advisor and attorney Phil Buffington confirmed a run for Mississippi State Auditor on Tuesday, joining the race to succeed outgoing Auditor Shad White.
• Mississippi Joint Task Force Vigilance to employ $2.5 million from Justice Department to fight fraud.
• Senator came to Mississippi in 2018 to support rally voters for Mike Espy.
• Senate Scott Colom of Mississippi and Angie Nixon of Florida shared the love Tuesday on X.
• State Auditor Shad White was among the speakers on Thursday to voice backing for redistricting legislative and congressional districts after Callais.

Buffington joins race for State Auditor. Buffington joins race for State Auditor. By: Frank Corder – October 7, 2026.

Buffington joins the open seat race with two candidates who confirmed earlier this year, former State Rep. Nick Bain and State Senator Daniel Sparks. Auditor Shad White is not seeking re-election to the office.

White has publicly remarked he does not intend to seek re-election in 2027 and has been mulling a run for governor.

Buffington has been active in Republican politics, particularly in central Mississippi where he additionally advises financial institutions throughout the U.S. On federal and state banking laws and regulations as a partner with Balch and Bingham LLP.

No Democrats have confirmed a run for State Auditor as of yet. Party leaders have remarked they will unveil names of those seeking statewide offices after the November 3 midterm election.

"I'm running for Mississippi State Auditor because I believe the people of Mississippi deserve a person who wants to make sure your tax dollars are not wasted or stolen and a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsible with every taxpayer dollar, " Buffington remarked in an official note.

He continued that leadership in Mississippi means more than holding an elected office.

"It also means helping prevent fraud, earning trust and protecting taxpayer dollars, and developing a vision for the future, " Buffington remarked. "The Auditor's office should be regarding professionalism. It should be regarding protecting the public trust and working with others to produce administration better for all."

Buffington remarked his campaign would focus on continued proactive fraud prevention, strict regulatory accountability, robust cybersecurity standards for state financial systems, and transparent backing for local community infrastructure.

He wants to bring private-sector internal control standards to state agencies to stop financial abuse before it starts and ensure taxpayer funds are applied as efficiently as feasible.

Magnolia Tribune will sit down with Buffington to provide a deeper look into his campaign and experience next week just as was done with Bain and Sparks. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

Elections Jeremy Pittari October 2, 2026.

Lawmakers conclude redistricting hearings with final public comment session at the Mississippi Capitol.

State Auditor Shad White was among the speakers on Thursday to voice backing for redistricting legislative and congressional districts after Callais. Nevertheless, most of speakers spoke in opposition, calling it a "scam" and pointing to racism. More From This Author. News Frank Corder October 6, 2026.

Mississippi revenue collections exceed estimates by $123.3 million for first three months of fiscal year. News Frank Corder October 6, 2026.

Governor Reeves praises President Trump's order to allow red-dyed diesel on the road. News Frank Corder October 5, 2026.

Congresswoman Waters a no show at Crump, Wells' parents press conference in California. News Magnolia Tribune October 7, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: October 7, 2026. News Frank Corder October 1, 2026.

Cory Booker's coming back to Mississippi to again campaign against Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey U.S. Senator came to Mississippi in 2018 to support rally voters for Mike Espy. Republican U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith defeated Espy by almost 8 points in that race. Now, Booker's coming back to the Magnolia State, this time to back fellow Democrat Scott Colom. News Frank Corder September 30, 2026. Colom "blown away" by Democratic Socialist's Florida Senate campaign.

Democrat nominees for U.S. Senate Scott Colom of Mississippi and Angie Nixon of Florida shared the love Tuesday on X. Until now, Colom has sought to distance himself from those who have aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America. News Frank Corder October 6, 2026.

After starting his campaign with a fake call, Colom shares AI-generated video of Hyde-Smith. News Jeremy Pittari October 6, 2026.

Mississippi Joint Task Force Vigilance to employ $2.5 million from Justice Department to fight fraud. News Frank Corder October 6, 2026.

As Colom tries to capitalize on anti-data center sentiment, Entergy Mississippi notes customers are benefitting from data centers, not subsidizing them. Business Cass Rutledge October 6, 2026. Westwin Elements investing $502 million to establish nickel refinery in Natchez. Business Cass Rutledge October 2, 2026. Gasifier manufacturer Janus Organization bringing 13 jobs to Greenwood. Business Cass Rutledge October 1, 2026.

Tech entrepreneur turns Hurricane Katrina tragedy into firm to preserve family memories. Culture Susan Marquez October 7, 2026.

Sherman Lee Dillon leaves a legacy of family, music, and deep love of community. Culture Alistair Begg October 7, 2026. Vengeance is the Lord's. Culture Associated Press October 6, 2026.

Kewan Lacy projected to return for No. 9 Mississippi vs. Vanderbilt, coach Pete Golding notes. Opinion Sid Salter October 7, 2026.

Growing calls to suspend or eliminate federal and state gas taxes have consequences. Opinion Roger Wicker September 28, 2026. Putin must be defeated. Opinion Sid Salter September 23, 2026.

Midterm elections in Mississippi shaping up as a familiar exercise in black-and-white.

For now, buffington joins race for State Auditor remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.