Lieutenant governor tate reeves- visited the coast,- kicking off his 2019 gop- gubernatorial campaign.

- news 25's jaylon morris has the- details from the rally in - biloxi.

- - several lawmakers and - residents gathered at the - maritime and seafood- industry museum in support of - candidate tate reeves.

He - discussed why he believes he's- the right fit for the governor- position.

- lieutenant governor tate reeves- "i'm passionate about fiscal responsibility.

- i'm all for lowering the tax- burden on mississippi citizens- and also keeping our- debt burden as well."

The candidate is in the final - year of his second term as- lieutenant governor and also- served two terms as state - treasurer.

Reeves brought up- experience as he tells news 25- he had a huge influence on- bringing bp oil spill money to- the coast.- lieutenant governor tate reeves- "i stood up for the gulf coast when it may or may- not have been politically - popular everywhere, but i did - what i believe was- right.

I think that's what the- citizens of the gulf coast will- get if i'm fortunate enough - to get elected."

The current lieutenant governor- also talked about - improving the educational - outcomes of the youth.

However,- local protestors tell news 25 - reeves only has - interest in private schools.- briley richmond, "i do know tha it seems like every time- something comes up- in the education in the budget,- he's anti public education."

Camilla joy moore, "he goes out here and tells everybody he - supports education, - but that's not what he actually- does.

That's not the action - that's being shown."

Reeves will run against attorne- general jim hood for the- governor position.

He believes- his will to say no on - certain issues gives him the- edge.

- lieutenant governor tate reeves- "i ran on the theme of being a watch dog for the tax