Phil Buffington, a Madison attorney involved in conservative politics and chairman of the Mississippi Tort Claims Board, announced on Tuesday that he will run for state auditor next year in the Republican primary.
Buffington, a partner at Balch and Bingham LLP, advises financial institutions throughout the country. He said in a news release that he plans to campaign on fraud prevention, regulatory accountability and stronger cybersecurity standards for state financial systems.
“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 said.
Current Auditor Shad White has said he’s considering running for governor and not planning to seek reelection as auditor.
Sen. Daniel Sparks, a Republican from Belmont, and former Rep. Nick Bain, a Republican from Corinth, have also said they’re running for auditor. No Democratic candidate has announced a run. Party primaries for statewide offices will take place in August 2027.
Buffington graduated from the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law, now Mississippi Christian University School of Law. He serves on the Mississippi Republican Party State Executive Committee and the Madison County Republican Executive Committee.
Candidates who have announced they are running for state office in 2027 include:
Governor:
Lynn Fitch (R)
Andy Gipson (R)
Philip Gunn (R)
Priscilla Williams Till (D)
Lieutenant governor:
Michael Watson (R)
Secretary of state:
Shuwaski Young (R)
Attorney general:
Sean Tindell (R)
State auditor:
Nick Bain (R)
Phil Buffington (R)
Daniel Sparks (R)
Courtesy of Mississippi Today
