Former Tupelo mayoral candidate James R. Presley endorsed his one-time opponent Jack Reed Jr. in the race for the city's highest office.

During a press conference Friday afternoon at Mid-South Machinery, where Presley works, the former candidate said Reed will do the best job for the city. Both men are Republicans.

Reed faces Democrat Doyce Deas in Tuesday's general election. The winner will take office in July and serve a four-year term.

"In the primary, Jack and I ran positive campaigns based on the issues as we saw them," Presley said in a press release, "and I respect him for that. I am endorsing his candidacy for mayor of Tupelo because I think he will do the best job for our city."

Reed thanked Presley, saying "I sincerely hope that the voters who supported James in the primary will vote for me in Tuesday's election."