Pinkins makes stops in DeSoto County as campaign continues

Photo: U.S. Senate candidate Ty Pinkins speaks with interviewer Ainsley Bright during a Patriot Vision segment at Lewisburg High School. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

Oct 25, 2024- Not giving up on any corner of the state, or any age demographic for that matter, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Ty Pinkins was back campaigning in DeSoto County Friday with scheduled stops at an NAACP meeting and at a candidates’ forum.

The day in DeSoto County started in front of the cameras, however, meaning the Patriot Vision cameras for an interview with Lewisburg High School student Ainsley Bright. That’s where they talked about the importance of young voters being involved in the process, as well as Pinkins introducing himself to students who will watch the program.

Patriot Vision is a broadcast program led by advisor Alison Morris that daily provides information to students that is aired in the building.  It’s been recognized by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association as one of the best-produced programs in the state.  

In the segment, Pinkins talked about his background, his interest in politics, and why those students of voting age should get active in politics.  Bright asked those questions in a conversational format meant to be more informational than political. 

Pinkins got more political in talking with DeSoto County News after the Patriot Vision taping.  

He said was disappointed that incumbent U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker has not agreed to debate him and likely won’t before Election Day. Pinkins said his disappointment centers on the inability of Republicans to talk about issues in an open forum with Democrats this election cycle.  

“They (Republicans) refuse to get on the debate stage in front of community members to let the community hear what’s important,” Pinkins said. “We saw that happen last year in the gubernatorial race, but our senators won’t do it and our congressmen won’t do it. I think that’s a disservice to the community.” 

Pinkins, who has campaigned in all 82 counties and his appearance here Friday was at least the second time he has been in DeSoto County, said he’s seen town hall meetings where invited elected officials have failed to appear. He pledged not to avoid those town hall opportunities if elected.

While many may consider DeSoto County a Republican stronghold, Democrat Pinkins said he won’t concede the county to Wicker. 

“Every voter matters, regardless of whether you’re a liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, you’re on the blue team or red team,” Pinkins said. “We’re all Mississippians and we’re all Americans. If you’re running for federal office, you have a responsibility to stand in front of people who disagree with you and explain yourself to them. I’ve been doing that all over the state and in DeSoto County.” 

Pinkins called the November vote the most important election the nation has had and encouraged voter participation.  

“Go to the polls and vote,” he said. “No matter who you vote for, participate in this thing we call a democracy of the past 248 years and the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.”

From Lewisburg High School, Pinkins had scheduled stops at a DeSoto County NAACP meeting and AKA event in Southaven and with a Meet the Candidates forum at Brown Missionary Baptist Church before appearing Friday evening in Tupelo for a youth concert.