Mississippi Republican Leader Clarke Reed Dies at 96

Clarke Reed, a pivotal figure in the development of the Republican Party in Mississippi and the South, passed away on December 8, 2024, at the age of 96 in Greenville, Mississippi. As chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party from 1966 to 1976, Reed played a crucial role in uniting the state's GOP delegates behind Gerald Ford during the contentious 1976 Republican National Convention, a decision that sparked a long-standing feud with fellow party member William D. Mounger. Reed's influence extended to mentoring future political leaders, including U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, who referred to him as a 'giant' in Mississippi politics. He was known for his efforts to establish a robust two-party system in a region dominated by Democrats and was a significant player during the political eras of several U.S. presidents. Friends and colleagues remember Reed as a charming and civic-minded leader whose impact on Southern politics was profound and enduring. His legacy includes a commitment to engaging with the world and building a Republican presence in Mississippi during a time of significant political transition.