By Jeremy Weldon

A Batesville man has campaigned vigorously for the Mississippi House of Representatives seat that covers Panola County, despite no chance that he will be elected, or receive even one official vote.

Lofton Gray, 21, a junior political science major at Millsaps College, shakes hands, passes out flyers, answers questions, and gives a traditional stump speech at all the forums and rallies other candidates do in the House District 10 race. But, he has asked no one  to vote for him.

The declared candidate is Robert “Robby” Gray,  Jr., Lofton’s father.  The unusual campaigning situation came up when Gray was unexpectedly called to serve a mission in the Middle East in connection with his duties to the Mississippi Army National Guard.

His deployment began May 29 and will end before next summer, although the family is unsure of his date of return. Gray had qualified for the seat early this year and had begun campaigning  when he learned of the deployment.

It was son Lofton who had suggested his dad consider running for the House seat when Rep. Nolan Mettetal announced his retirement. Lofton had worked in a state legislature office as part  of his college studies and was familiar with the seat, the district, and what a campaign for the seat would entail.

“I had already been going with him to all the campaign events when he found out about the deployment, and we were getting good response from voters so I thought we might as well keep this going,” Lofton said Saturday between chats with voters at the Coles Point Fire Department’s political rally.

“We talked about it and I told him that if it was possible for me to help him get elected while it was gone it would be the greatest gift I could give him. It’s a liability for him to be gone, and it’s a contentious race, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he  said.

Admitting that nerves and his youth were small hurdles in the beginning, Lofton is now at ease on the behind the microphone and answering questions from voters and reporters. “Everybody has been super nice, and the other Republican candidates that are in our primary have been great at every event. Everything has been above the belt and it’s been a positive experience for me.”

Lofton has a statement written by his dad that he begins each campaign address with, one that details the elder Gray’s position on social and fiscal issues most often facing Mississippi votes. His positions are staunchly conservative and Lofton has become adept at relaying the campaign’s message concisely and with a warm delivery.

Lofton said he hasn’t talked much about the campaign with his college friends in Jackson, but is  thankful to have his girlfriend by his side at almost every event.  “Grace Ann has just been the sweetest,” he said. “When this came up she said she wanted to help, and she’s been amazing out here.”

Both of the Lofton’s parents grew up in Panola County and he attended Batesville Junior High between family moves – his dad was transferred in the state with his National Guard duties.

Lofton attended St. Andrews in Jackson in lower grades when his dad practiced law in the capital city. They lived in Batesville and then in Petal where he started high school. The family moved to Madison where he graduated from Madison Central High School.

After his graduation from high school, the Grays moved back to Batesville where Lofton said their heart has always been. “My father loves Batesville and Panola County and with experience I can’t think of anyone better to better represent the people in District 10.”

Lofton said he has strategy talks with his dad whenever possible, and sends him updates on campaign events. “I remind voters that I’m campaigning, but it’s a four-year seat and he will be here for the long term.”

Gray is part of today’s Republican primary along with two other hopefuls to represent the party on the ballot in November’s general election. Also running are former Panola County supervisor Kelly Morris, and Oxford attorney Brady Williamson, who lives in Lafayette County and has a farm in Panola County.

Cutline:   Lofton Gray, 21, shakes hands with Tony Ragon while campaigning for his father, Robby Gray for House District 10. Lofton talked with Ragon and Steve Goodgame at the Coles Point fire station Saturday. (Jeremy Weldon)