Prominent Coast lawyer announces candidacy for Gulfport mayor’s seat

Following current Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes’ announcement that he will not seek re-election, prominent Mississippi Gulf Coast attorney Hugh Keating has thrown his hat into the ring.

Keating officially registered Tuesday as a Republican candidate for mayor of the state’s second-largest municipality in Magnolia. He brings a wealth of community experience, which he believes makes him an ideal candidate for the position.

“Over the last 40 years, I have done a lot of work for the Municipality of Gulfport and other government entities,” Keating told SuperTalk Mississippi News. “It gave me a unique insight into the exterior and interior. I have always tried to live my life as a person who places service before self, and I believe we have an obligation to be good citizens. The time has come for me. »

Keating aims to step into the shoes of Billy Hews and the late George Schloegel, both of whom played key roles in Gulfport’s recovery and progress after Hurricane Katrina.

“It’s almost like a calling,” Keating said. “I feel like I can hit the ground running and the transition is smooth. We have many transformation projects underway that need to be completed. But the city has other needs to address – there is always room for improvement. »

The longtime attorney expressed the need to emphasize Gulfport’s economic strengths, particularly the “blue economy” factor. However, he also emphasized that there are needs beyond economic improvement and that he intends to improve the quality of life of all citizens of the city.

As Mississippi Democrats like Brandon Presley circle the Gulfport mayor’s seat from potentially being a Republican stronghold, Keating says that while the first step is winning the Republican primary, he’s up for the challenge.

“I can only do what I can do,” Keating said. “I am the true blue of Gulfport – for five generations now. I love this city and have given everything I can to support it and develop community services. I will continue to do it regardless.

He then emphasized his commitment to serving “all segments of the community.” This commitment is reflected in the construction of multiple advisory committees where all demographic groups in the city will be represented.

“I’m not the type of person to take a hard-line stance in an extreme way,” Keating said. “I try to find consensus and build cooperation. I intend to make sure all of their needs are met.

Municipal elections should take place in spring 2025 and new mandates will begin next July.