Lee Yancey
Encyclopedia
Jeremy Lee Yancey is a Mississippi
State Senator
. He was previously a candidate for State Treasurer
of Mississippi
in the 2011 statewide election.
, the son of Rex Yancey, a Southern Baptist pastor, and Ellon Yancey, a retired public schoolteacher. Yancey says he is an eighth generation Mississippian. . During his childhood, Yancey lived in Ripley
, Tupelo, Pascagoula and Quitman
. He graduated from Quitman High School
in 1986, where he was selected Mr. Quitman High School and lettered in six sports. Yancey earned a B.A. in religion from Mississippi College
in 1991 and a Master in Divinity in Biblical Studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
in 1993. He earned a doctorate in leadership administration from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary several years later.
Yancey was named one of two 2006 Pro-Lifers of the year.
Yancey was a member of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee from 2002 to 2006 and served as a campaign volunteer in the successful re-election campaign of Lieutenant Governor
Amy Tuck
. He was also President of the Choose Life Car Tag Committee.
and Madison County, Mississippi
Madison County. The incumbent, Charlie Ross
, was not running for re-election, opting instead to run for Lieutenant Governor
. In the primary, Yancey faced Robert (Bobby) Blake, a publishing company owner; Harvey Dallas; and Charles Porter, a construction company owner. In the GOP primary, Porter led 34.9 percent to Yancey’s 28.6 percent. Yancey obtained endorsements from Blake and Dallas. In the run-off, Yancey won with 50.7 percent. Yancey gained attention for his use of social media, including a promotional rap video. He faced no Democratic opposition in the general election.
In the 2008 legislative session, Yancey co-authored a bill with State Senator Michael Watson making it a felony for undocumented workers to accept a job in Mississippi. Yancey signed on to legislation requiring the removal of school superintendents in underperforming school districts.
In the 2009 legislative session, Yancey was the principal author of two bills that passed: a bill allow state agencies to electronically transmit annual reports and a bill authorizing the University Medical Center to donate surplus food.
In the 2010 legislative session, Yancey co-sponsored legislation with State Senator Michael Watson
to create a new start school program in failing school districts.
In the most recent session, Yancey co-sponsored Nathan’s Law, a bill increasing the penalty for unlawful passing of a school bus.
Yancey also authored a bill to prohibit the expansion of casino gaming in Mississippi. The bill died in committee. He also authored a bill to amend the Mississippi constitution to prohibit abortions. That bill also died in committee.
In 2009, he co-sponsored a bill to require random nicotine testing of Medicaid recipients. That bill died in committee.
Yancey voted against a cigarette tax. "Raising the tax on cigarettes only increases the size of government and it doesn't solve the cigarette problem. If you raise the cigarette tax you might as well raise the soft drink tax or potato chip tax because they are bad for you, and where do you draw the line," he said.
Yancey faced Lynn Fitch, the head of the State Personnel Board, and Lucien Smith
, a former budget advisor to Governor Haley Barbour
in the GOP Primary. The eventual winner of that race, Lynn Fitch, will face Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran in the general election. The incumbent State Treasurer, Tate Reeves
, is running for Lieutenant Governor
.
Yancey has received endorsements from President of the American Family Association Donald Wildmon
, the Mississippi Federation for Immigration Reform and Enforcement, and U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper
.
. Yancey’s father-in-law, Julian Fagan, was a punter for the New Orleans Saints
.
Yancey is a member of Pinelake Church
. He is also a marathon
runner. Yancey graduated from the same high school as NBA All-Star Antonio McDyess
. Yancey has referred to himself and fellow GOP freshman Senators Chris McDaniel
of Ellisville and Michael Watson
of Pascagoula as "The Three Amigos".
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
State Senator
State Senator
A state senator is a member of a state's Senate, the upper house in the bicameral legislature of 49 U.S. states, or a legislator in Nebraska's one house State Legislature.There are typically fewer state senators than there are members of a state's lower house...
. He was previously a candidate for State Treasurer
State Treasurer
In the state governments of the United States, 49 of the 50 states have the executive position of treasurer. Texas abolished the position of Texas State Treasurer in 1996....
of Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
in the 2011 statewide election.
Early life
Lee Yancey was born in Ripley, MississippiRipley, Mississippi
Ripley is a city in Tippah County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 5,478 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Tippah County....
, the son of Rex Yancey, a Southern Baptist pastor, and Ellon Yancey, a retired public schoolteacher. Yancey says he is an eighth generation Mississippian. . During his childhood, Yancey lived in Ripley
Ripley, Mississippi
Ripley is a city in Tippah County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 5,478 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Tippah County....
, Tupelo, Pascagoula and Quitman
Quitman, Mississippi
Quitman is a city in Clarke County, Mississippi, USA, along the Chickasawhay River. The population was 2,463 at the 2000 census. The county seat of Clarke County, it is the hometown of San Antonio Spurs power forward Antonio McDyess and the birthplace of writer Wyatt Emory Cooper.-Geography:Quitman...
. He graduated from Quitman High School
Quitman High School
Quitman High School may refer to:*Quitman High School in Quitman, Arkansas*Quitman High School in Quitman, Louisiana*Quitman High School in Quitman, Mississippi*Quitman High School in Quitman, Texas...
in 1986, where he was selected Mr. Quitman High School and lettered in six sports. Yancey earned a B.A. in religion from Mississippi College
Mississippi College
Mississippi College, also known as MC, is a private, Christian university located in Clinton, Mississippi. Mississippi College comprises the main campus in Clinton, as well as satellite campuses in Brandon and Madison, Mississippi, and the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson...
in 1991 and a Master in Divinity in Biblical Studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, located in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was the first institution created as a direct act of the Southern Baptist Convention. Missions...
in 1993. He earned a doctorate in leadership administration from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary several years later.
Ministerial Staffer
From 1987 to 2000, Yancey served on ministerial staffs in various churches. In 1996, Yancey became Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Meridian.Lobbyist for Southern Baptist Convention
From 2000 to 2007, Yancey was a lobbyist for the Southern Baptist Convention. Yancey was a member of the Christian Action Commission, he spoke out in support of a covenant marriage bill. and against abortion. He worked with legislators to support the pro-life cause on the issues of therapeutic cloning, embryonic stem-cell research, sonogram, and abortion ban legislation.Yancey was named one of two 2006 Pro-Lifers of the year.
Yancey was a member of the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee from 2002 to 2006 and served as a campaign volunteer in the successful re-election campaign of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant governor
A lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
Amy Tuck
Amy Tuck
Amy Tuck was the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi. A Republican, she is only the second woman elected to statewide office in Mississippi and the first to have been re-elected.-Biography:...
. He was also President of the Choose Life Car Tag Committee.
Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management
Shortly after becoming State Senator, Yancey joined Woodridge Capitol Portfolio Management, serving in the area of business development. He holds a Series 65 license.2007 State Senate Campaign
Yancey announced he would run for State Senate District 20, which covers portions of Rankin CountyRankin County, Mississippi
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 115,327 people, 42,089 households, and 31,145 families residing in the county. The population density was 149 people per square mile . There were 45,070 housing units at an average density of 58 per square mile...
and Madison County, Mississippi
Madison County, Mississippi
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 74,674 people, 27,219 households, and 19,325 families residing in the county. The population density was 104 people per square mile . There were 28,781 housing units at an average density of 40 per square mile...
Madison County. The incumbent, Charlie Ross
Charlie Ross
Charlie Ross is an American politician and attorney who lives in Brandon, Mississippi. He served as Senator from District 20 in the Mississippi Senate until 2007. District 20 comprises parts of Madison and Rankin Counties. Charlie was first elected to the Senate in 1997 after serving as the...
, was not running for re-election, opting instead to run for Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant governor
A lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
. In the primary, Yancey faced Robert (Bobby) Blake, a publishing company owner; Harvey Dallas; and Charles Porter, a construction company owner. In the GOP primary, Porter led 34.9 percent to Yancey’s 28.6 percent. Yancey obtained endorsements from Blake and Dallas. In the run-off, Yancey won with 50.7 percent. Yancey gained attention for his use of social media, including a promotional rap video. He faced no Democratic opposition in the general election.
State Senator
Yancey took office in January 2008. He is the Vice-Chair of the Highways and Transportation committee. Yancey authored a bill making it illegal to use cellular telephones while operating a motor vehicle and to send text messages. The bill died in committee.In the 2008 legislative session, Yancey co-authored a bill with State Senator Michael Watson making it a felony for undocumented workers to accept a job in Mississippi. Yancey signed on to legislation requiring the removal of school superintendents in underperforming school districts.
In the 2009 legislative session, Yancey was the principal author of two bills that passed: a bill allow state agencies to electronically transmit annual reports and a bill authorizing the University Medical Center to donate surplus food.
In the 2010 legislative session, Yancey co-sponsored legislation with State Senator Michael Watson
Michael Watson
Michael Watson, MBE is a retired British boxer whose career ended prematurely as a result of near-fatal injury sustained in a WBO super-middleweight title fight defeat by Chris Eubank in September 1991....
to create a new start school program in failing school districts.
In the most recent session, Yancey co-sponsored Nathan’s Law, a bill increasing the penalty for unlawful passing of a school bus.
Yancey also authored a bill to prohibit the expansion of casino gaming in Mississippi. The bill died in committee. He also authored a bill to amend the Mississippi constitution to prohibit abortions. That bill also died in committee.
In 2009, he co-sponsored a bill to require random nicotine testing of Medicaid recipients. That bill died in committee.
Yancey voted against a cigarette tax. "Raising the tax on cigarettes only increases the size of government and it doesn't solve the cigarette problem. If you raise the cigarette tax you might as well raise the soft drink tax or potato chip tax because they are bad for you, and where do you draw the line," he said.
2011 State Treasurer Campaign
Yancey said General Harold Cross "planted a seed in my head" about running for Treasurer in Summer 2010. Describing himself as "one of the few fiscal conservatives in the senate and the house," Yancey was spurred to run for Treasurer "out of a sense of growing frustration being in the Mississippi Senate" and out of concern "about the direction our state is going financially." In January 2010, Yancey announced he would run for State Treasurer. “I’m not a politician, I’m a child of God. I look at public service as a calling and I didn’t want to look back with regret for something I felt the Lord was calling me to do,” Yancey said.Yancey faced Lynn Fitch, the head of the State Personnel Board, and Lucien Smith
Lucien Smith
Lucien Smith is an attorney in Jackson, Mississippi. He was previously a Republican Party candidate for State Treasurer of Mississippi in the 2011 statewide election....
, a former budget advisor to Governor Haley Barbour
Haley Barbour
Haley Reeves Barbour is an American Republican politician currently serving as the 63rd Governor of Mississippi. He gained a national spotlight in August 2005 after Mississippi was hit by Hurricane Katrina. Barbour won re-election as Governor in 2007...
in the GOP Primary. The eventual winner of that race, Lynn Fitch, will face Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran in the general election. The incumbent State Treasurer, Tate Reeves
Tate Reeves
Jonathon Tate Reeves is the State Treasurer of Mississippi. Reeves, a Republican, is the Lieutenant Governor-elect of Mississippi. Reeves was earlier elected as Mississippi’s fifty-third Treasurer on November 4, 2003 and re-elected to a second term in 2007. He is the first Republican treasurer...
, is running for Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant governor
A lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
.
Yancey has received endorsements from President of the American Family Association Donald Wildmon
Donald Wildmon
Donald E. Wildmon is an ordained United Methodist minister, author, former radio host, and founder and chairman emeritus of the American Family Association and American Family Radio.-Biography:...
, the Mississippi Federation for Immigration Reform and Enforcement, and U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper
Gregg Harper
Gregory "Gregg" Harper is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2009. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes the wealthier portions of the state capital, Jackson, along with most of that city's suburbs. Other cities in the district include Meridian and Natchez.-...
.
Family and Personal Life
In 1992, Yancey married Courtney Fagan. They have two teenage children, Benton and Blakeley. Yancey and his family reside in BrandonBrandon, Mississippi
Brandon is a city in Rankin County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 16,436 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rankin CountyBrandon is part of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
. Yancey’s father-in-law, Julian Fagan, was a punter for the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
.
Yancey is a member of Pinelake Church
Pinelake Church
Pinelake Church is an Evangelical Christian church in Brandon in the Jackson metropolitan area, Mississippi.- History :Pinelake Church was established in 1971 on Spillway Road in Brandon, starting as Rankin Baptist Chapel with 32 people in a mobile chapel....
. He is also a marathon
Marathon
The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres , that is usually run as a road race...
runner. Yancey graduated from the same high school as NBA All-Star Antonio McDyess
Antonio McDyess
Antonio Keithflen McDyess is an American professional basketball player. McDyess is listed at 6'9" , 245 lb. and is a power forward/center. In 2009 he signed a 3-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs....
. Yancey has referred to himself and fellow GOP freshman Senators Chris McDaniel
Chris McDaniel
Christopher McDaniel , is an attorney, conservative commentator and a Republican politician in the Mississippi Senate who has represented the 42nd District, which encompasses part of South Mississippi, since 2008...
of Ellisville and Michael Watson
Michael Watson
Michael Watson, MBE is a retired British boxer whose career ended prematurely as a result of near-fatal injury sustained in a WBO super-middleweight title fight defeat by Chris Eubank in September 1991....
of Pascagoula as "The Three Amigos".