Commissioner Andy Gipson: Family, Food Security, and Mississippi’s Future

On this episode of The Empower Podcast, host Grant Callen sits down with Commissioner Andy Gipson—Mississippi’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, former state legislator, Baptist minister, cattleman, and announced candidate for governor. Gipson shares how his journey into public service began with a desire to secure a better future for his children, and why he believes strong families are the foundation of a healthy culture, safe communities, and a thriving economy. They revisit his decade in the House, including his role in landmark pro-life and Second Amendment legislation, then dive into his work leading the agency responsible for the state’s largest industry: agriculture. Grant and Commissioner Gipson also explore his pro-family policy agenda: accelerating income tax relief for married couples, tackling property taxes, cutting sales tax on essentials for kids, expanding childcare and work opportunities, and supporting school choice so parents have more tools to help their children thrive. They close with a discussion on public safety, prison re-entry, and how smarter corrections policy can strengthen families and the workforce. Recorded as our final episode of the year, this conversation looks ahead to the 2026 legislative session and what it will take to keep Mississippi’s momentum going.