Ellington

JACKSON — Brandon Payne is taking over as the Mississippi Republican Party's executive director.

Payne fills the slot that has been vacant since late 2011. He is a former Biloxi police officer and most recently worked for U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker's southern district field office. He also serves as president of the Harrison County Republican Club and is a member of the Harrison County Republican Executive Committee.

“Our party has great victories to reflect on, yet we must always advance towards future challenges," Payne said in a statement. "Now is not the time to rest comfortably on our laurels. By focusing on our goals and remaining united, I’m confident our fight for conservative principles will succeed.”

Gov. Phil Bryant said Payne would be a "great benefit" to the state GOP. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said Payne brings "a wealth of knowledge of grassroots campaigning" to the party.

Payne begins in the role on Sept. 1.