Lt. Governor Candidate and Deputy AG Speak to Walthall GOP

The Walthall Co. GOP was honored to have Richard Boyanton of Diamondhead, candidate for Lt. Governor of Mississippi, and Deputy Attorney General of Mississippi, Lindsay Cranford at our past meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good food and fellowship with people interested in new and vital information concerning the upcoming election and the significant accomplishments of the Attorney General’s office. Mr. Boyanton stated that as Lt. Governor he would appoint Republican Senators to chair all Senate committees. These committees are vital to our legislative agenda and must be led by like-minded leaders who share the vision of the GOP. He stated that in Mississippi, the Lt. Governor has the constitutional authority to make these appointments without being bound by strict seniority. He stressed that Democrats controlled this state in its entirety for well over a century, while the GOP only held legislative majorities for less than twenty years. Mr. Boyanton further stated that to secure our state’s future, we must fully utilize the leadership roles we have earned. Mr. Boyanton stressed that it is time to review and eliminate the outdated taxes that remain on our books. Many can be traced back to L.B. Johnson’s “Great Society.” President Johnson’s programs have added $22 trillion to the national debt while leaving major cities in worse shape than before. Boyanton discussed the failures and successes in the state’s educational system. While many schools achieve remarkable excellence and deserve our greatest appreciation, other school systems lack either the capacity or the desire to educate their children. Boyanton proposes a targeted three-year improvement plan for underperforming schools. If significant progress is not seen, he would introduce a voucher system to empower families and ensure every child has access to quality education. Boyanton discussed the need for saving essential healthcare services in rural communities like Walthall County. If hospitals are forced to close, localized solutions for emergency care and medical transportation must be provided. He stated that a solution must be from the inside out. In closing, Boyanton stated that his office would have an open mind with firm conservative principles. He stated that our nation’s success is built on the backs of America’s greatest inventors and wealth creators. The second speaker was Deputy Attorney General Lindsay Cranford speaking on behalf of Attorney General Fitch who was unable to attend the meeting. Deputy Cranford shared several new programs that have been started with the AG’s Office. Operation Hope was developed for foster children. This program was launched on May 18, 2026. This is a multidisciplinary effort to locate missing foster children with the U.S. Dept. of HHS. To date thirteen children have been located, offered support services, and brought to safety during this operation. Children leave the foster program at age eighteen and many at age seventeen. These children are homeless with no safety net to protect them until they enter college or can become employed. Operation Hope offers these young people hope until they can function independently. The General’s Office announced the Fentanyl Strike Force which began in April and May of 2026, resulting in 6 ICE Detainers and 23 arrests. This program is a result of the roll out of the General’s One Pill Can Kill public education and awareness campaign. Through the Strike Force, more than 900 law enforcement officers have been trained to safely handle fentanyl and successfully work narcotics cases. In April, the General announced that her Human Trafficking Task Force led Mississippi’s participation in a national human trafficking operation that spanned 30 states and included over 250 law enforcement agencies. In Mississippi, the operation in Biloxi led to four arrests and the recovery of three victims. The General’s Office has trained 588 law enforcement officers from across the state. The Attorney General’s human trafficking team has now led 63 multijurisdictional operations that have led to the rescue of 390 victims and 294 arrests, as well as countless leads in the effort to disrupt and stop trafficking in Mississippi. Last summer, the General’s Office completed Operation Guardian Force, a 2-week statewide law enforcement effort led by the General’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force, Fentanyl Strike Force, and Internet crimes Against Children Task Force. The operation resulted in 72 arrests, and the recovery of 29 human trafficking victims. 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