Dewey Phillip "Phil" Bryant

Dewey Phillip Bryant, commonly known as Phil Bryant, was born on December 9, 1954, in Moorhead, Mississippi. He is an American politician who served as the 64th Governor of Mississippi from 2012 to 2020. His tenure as governor followed a career in public service that included various roles in Mississippi’s state government.

Early Life and Education

Phil Bryant grew up in Sunflower County, Mississippi. He attended Hinds Community College, later obtaining a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master's degree in political science from Mississippi College.

Political Career

Phil Bryant's political career began in earnest when he served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1990 to 1995. During this time, he developed a reputation for his conservative values and commitment to public service.

State Auditor

In 1996, Bryant was appointed as the State Auditor of Mississippi by Governor Kirk Fordice. He was later elected to the position in 1999 and re-elected in 2003. As State Auditor, Bryant was involved in numerous audits and investigations aimed at reducing government waste and improving efficiency.

Lieutenant Governor

Phil Bryant was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi in 2007. In this role, he presided over the Mississippi Senate and worked on a variety of legislative initiatives, focusing on economic development and education reform.

Governorship

Phil Bryant was elected governor in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. His administration prioritized economic growth, educational improvements, and healthcare reforms. Under his leadership, Mississippi saw the signing of major legislation, including education reform bills and business-friendly policies. Notably, he sought to enhance the workforce through vocational training programs.

Mississippi Welfare Funds Scandal

During Bryant’s tenure, the Mississippi welfare funds scandal emerged, involving the misuse of federal grant money intended for welfare programs. The scandal implicated several individuals and organizations, highlighting significant oversight failures within state welfare management systems. While Bryant was involved in appointing officials later implicated in the scandal, he maintained that he had no knowledge of the financial misdeeds.

Personal Life

Phil Bryant is married to Deborah Bryant, and they have two children. Known for his strong faith, Bryant has often credited his Christian beliefs as a guiding force throughout his political career.