Mike Chaney

Michael Chaney was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 6, 1944. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in banking and finance. A businessman, Chaney founded an oil distribution business for convenience stores in Vicksburg in the 1970s, followed by ventures into the wood preservation business in Kemper County and real estate. He also pursued business interests in utility companies, farming, and communications companies. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a sergeant in the Mississippi Reserve from 1968 to 1969. == Political career ==

State legislature A Republican, Chaney served in the Mississippi House of Representatives for the 54th district from 1993 to 1999. He ran to replace Ed Buelow, who had been appointed to the Mississippi Tax Commission. At the time of his campaign, he was the chairman of the Warren County Republican Executive Committee and had served in economic leadership roles in the local area. During the election, he favored increasing competition among insurance companies and maintaining the elected status of the commissioner position. Chaney won the election 56.5% to 43.5%, becoming the first new commissioner since George Dale took office in 1976. Voter discontent towards insurance companies after Hurricane Katrina was considered to play a major role in his victory. Chaney also outraised Anderson significantly. Chaney was re-elected in 2011 against Louis Fondren 62% to 34.7%. He ran unopposed in the general election in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 against Robert Amos 61.3% to 38.7%. He was re-elected in 2023 against Bruce Burton 59.3% to 40.7%. == Personal life ==

He is married to Mary Thurmond Chaney and has three children and eight grandchildren. He lives in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He is of Episcopal faith. == Electoral history ==