A watchdog for every taxpayer dollar.
Mississippians deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsible with their money. Phil Buffington will be the independent watchdog taxpayers can trust.
Phil Buffington
For State Auditor
Why I'm Running
Professionalism, not politics or headlines.
I'm running for Mississippi State Auditor because I believe the people of Mississippi deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsible with every taxpayer dollar. Leadership means more than holding an elected office; it means helping prevent fraud, earning trust, protecting taxpayer dollars, and developing a vision for the future.
A traditional audit may tell us whether money was spent legally, and that is essential. But citizens also deserve to know:
- →What was accomplished with the money spent?
- →Did the expenditure solve the problem?
- →Was there a more efficient or more effective way to achieve the same result?
I pledge to be a watchdog for the taxpayers: helping prevent fraud, ensuring public funds are properly managed, identifying waste and wrongdoing, and holding government accountable. This office should be about protecting the public trust and working with others to make government better for all.
The Plan
An Auditor's Office that works for taxpayers.
Six commitments to make sure state and local government operates efficiently and in the best interests of Mississippi taxpayers.
Prevent Fraud
Stop misuse of taxpayer money before it happens, with prevention built into how public funds are managed.
Follow the Facts
Uncover waste and wrongdoing through strong, independent oversight that goes where the evidence leads.
Demand Accountability
Hold state and local government responsible for how every public dollar is spent, and for the results.
Promote Transparency
Give Mississippians clear answers about what their money accomplished, not just whether it was spent legally.
Drive Efficiency
Ask whether there was a more efficient or more effective way to achieve the same result, and act on it.
Protect Public Trust
Run the office with professionalism, independence, and a team-first mindset, never for politics or headlines.
Meet Phil
A career built on prevention and sound stewardship.
For more than 40 years, Phil has advised community banks, financial institutions, and businesses on complex financial, regulatory, and governance matters, helping them assess risk, navigate regulation, ensure compliance, and hold people accountable.
Phil and Sarah are the proud parents of three grown children, Phillip (Lauren), Avery (Matt), and Will (Kat), and grandparents to five wonderful grandchildren. A lifelong Mississippian, Phil is a graduate of Ole Miss and Mississippi College School of Law.
He serves and supports organizations across Mississippi, and brings the same team-first mindset from years of coaching youth sports to public service.
Join the Campaign
Help protect every public dollar.
Phil looks forward to visiting with you over the coming months and asking for your vote and support. Every contribution helps carry this message to every corner of Mississippi.