The Republican National Committee has named Mississippi GOP Chairman Mike Hurst as general counsel for the national party. 

“As a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi appointed by President Trump, Mike brings invaluable legal expertise and a proven commitment to our party through his time at the Mississippi GOP,” Joe Gruters, chairman of the RNC, said in a statement. 

Hurst’s appointment as general counsel means he will be the top lawyer at the national party. He will still serve as state GOP chairman while advising the national party on legal matters. 

The Mississippi Republican Party on social media congratulated Hurst on his new role. It said it was confident he would “continue to bring the same passion, wisdom, and dedication to the RNC that he has shown throughout his career in public service and leadership.” 

Before his role at the state GOP, Hurst served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi under President Donald Trump’s first administration. Hurst was elected MSGOP chairman in 2024, after being endorsed by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. While the state chair post is technically elected, a sitting governor is de facto head of the party and has say over who serves.