William Waller: The Gubernatorial Career of a New South Governor
The political landscape of Mississippi underwent a significant transition in the early 1970s, marked by a shift away from the rigid segregationist policies of the past toward a more moderate approach. At the center of this transition was William Waller, who served as the Governor of Mississippi from 1972 to 1976. His tenure was characterized by a complex balancing act: attempting to modernize the state's infrastructure and administration while navigating the deep-seated racial and political divisions of the era.
The 1971 Campaign and Election
Waller's path to the governor's mansion began with a competitive 1971 Democratic primary. He faced several opponents, including Lieutenant Governor Charles L. Sullivan and Jimmy Swan. While Swan utilized racist rhetoric and opposed integration, Waller and Sullivan focused on different priorities. However, both candidates affirmed their support for segregation academies (private schools established to avoid integrated public schools) and opposed desegregation busing, while simultaneously pledging to appoint Black citizens to state offices.
Waller positioned himself as an outsider, campaigning against the "Capitol Street Gang"—a group of establishment lawyers and industry leaders in Jackson whom he accused of operating a political machine that stifled Mississippi's economic growth. His platform emphasized increasing teacher salaries and investing in state highways. Notably, Waller hired Deloss Walker, a consultant from Memphis, Tennessee, pioneering the use of out-of-state advertising agencies in Mississippi gubernatorial races.
After a runoff election, Waller defeated Sullivan with 54 percent of the vote (389,952 votes to 329,236), aided by the endorsements of U.S. Senator James Eastland and former governor Barnett. In the general election, Waller faced civil rights activist Charles Evers and segregationist judge Tom P. Brady. The campaign between Waller and Evers remained largely devoid of racism and negative tactics. Waller won decisively with 601,222 votes, taking office on January 18, 1972.
Executive Action and Appointments
Upon taking office, Waller introduced weekly press conferences to increase transparency. One of his most significant executive moves involved the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission, a body originally created to uphold segregation. Although the commission had little remaining business, Waller delayed appointing new members and eventually vetoed its funding bill in 1973, leading to its closure in June of that year (it was formally abolished in 1977).
To promote economic development, Waller purchased the state's first official jet, which he used for trade missions to Asia, Europe, and South America. He also broke historical barriers by appointing Black individuals to state government positions for the first time since the Reconstruction era. His first appointee was Jim Rundles, a special assistant. Waller also appointed the first Black woman to a state board and integrated the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Additionally, he established the Office of Minority Business Enterprise and a Minority Advisory Committee. In August 1972, he became the first governor to visit the territory of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Waller's personal conduct at the Governor's Mansion also signaled a change; he refused to use convict labor as servants, a practice common among his predecessors. However, his administration faced scrutiny in 1972 when he authorized the work release of Charles Wilson, a man convicted of murdering civil rights activist Vernon Dahmer, whom Waller had previously represented as legal counsel. To balance this, Waller also released Hal C. Zachary, a Black college graduate who had killed a segregationist, and declared Medgar Evers Day to mark the tenth anniversary of the activist's death, though he did not attend the formal ceremony.
Legislative Challenges and Reforms
Waller's relationship with the state legislature was often strained. He frequently clashed with Lieutenant Governor William F. Winter and Speaker of the House John R. Junkin, often bypassing legislative leaders to seek public support for his initiatives. This friction led Waller to veto 32 bills during his term, some of which were overridden by the legislature for the first time in 44 years.
Despite these conflicts, Waller proposed several progressive reforms, including:
- The creation of public kindergartens and the reenactment of compulsory education laws (both of which failed in the Senate).
- The establishment of new schools at Mississippi State University.
- A bill to limit campaign spending.
- Proposals to redraft the state constitution and permit gubernatorial succession.
In terms of infrastructure and finance, Waller endorsed a $600 million highway program, though it was later suspended due to declining revenues. He successfully secured funding for a new Mississippi Highway Patrol headquarters and improvements to the state crime laboratory, and he successfully removed tax collection duties from county sheriffs.
Political Alignment and the "New South"
Waller aligned himself with the New South governors—moderates who sought to move Southern politics away from the staunch segregationism exemplified by Alabama's George Wallace. He spent much of his term attempting to heal the rift within the Mississippi Democratic Party between the "Regulars" (white segregationists) and the "Loyalists" (Black members of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and moderate whites).
While his efforts to create a unified delegation for the 1972 Democratic National Convention were initially rebuffed by Loyalist leader Aaron Henry, Waller continued negotiations throughout his term. He eventually signed a law allowing the Loyalist faction to choose their method of electing delegates. Waller left office on January 20, 1976, succeeded by Cliff Finch.
Key Facts
- Election Victory: Won the 1971 election with 601,222 votes in the general election.
- Sovereignty Commission: Vetoed the funding for the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission in 1973, leading to its demise.
- Racial Integration: First governor since Reconstruction to appoint Black citizens to state government and integrated the Highway Patrol.
- Legislative Friction: Vetoed 32 bills; faced the first legislative veto overrides in 44 years.
- Economic Outreach: Acquired the state's first official jet for international business travel.
| Category | Key Actions / Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Appointments | Integrated Highway Patrol; appointed first Black state officials since Reconstruction. |
| Executive Moves | Defunded the State Sovereignty Commission; purchased first state jet. |
| Legislative Record | 32 bills vetoed; pushed for public kindergartens and education reform. |
| Political Stance | Aligned with "New South" moderates; sought Democratic Party reunification. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Waller's main opponent in the 1971 runoff?
Waller's primary opponent in the runoff was Lieutenant Governor Charles L. Sullivan, whom Waller defeated with 54 percent of the vote.
How did Waller handle the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission?
Waller delayed appointing members to the commission and eventually vetoed its funding bill in 1973, which effectively shut down the agency before its formal abolition in 1977.
What were some of Waller's contributions to racial integration in state government?
Waller appointed the first Black individuals to state government since the Reconstruction era, including Jim Rundles as a special assistant, appointed the first Black woman to a state board, and integrated the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Why was Waller's relationship with the legislature considered poor?
Waller often ignored the advice of legislative leaders, failed to communicate his travels to the Lieutenant Governor, and sought public support for his ideas rather than building relationships with legislators, resulting in 32 vetoes.
What is the "New South" movement mentioned in relation to Waller?
The New South governors were a group of moderate Southern leaders who sought to distance themselves from staunch segregationism and move toward a more modern, economically developed, and less racially polarized region.