RICHLAND — Mississippi’s third-term Republican secretary of state, Delbert Hoseman, says he’s running for lieutenant governor.

Hosemann is announcing his candidacy at events around the state, including one Wednesday in the Jackson suburb of Richland.

The 71-year-old Hosemann is an attorney who grew up in Vicksburg and lives in Jackson.

“I want to be a part of leaving a better educated, healthier, and more prosperous Mississippi to our children and grandchildren,” Hosemann said. “The next Lieutenant Governor will have a significant impact on your future and our future.”

The current lieutenant governor, Republican Tate Reeves of Flowood, cannot seek a third term. He’s running for governor.
Democratic state Rep. Jay Hughes of Oxford announced last year that he’s running for lieutenant governor, and he has filed papers to qualify.

The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate, appoints Senate committee leaders and has great influence over which bills become law.

Hosemann said he hopes to use that influence to improve Mississippi’s education and economy.

“Businesses have told us their biggest need is an educated workforce,” Hosemann said. “We need to start training our workforce of tomorrow today, and we need to recognize and value the leaders in this effort—our teachers in our classrooms.”

March 1 is candidates’ qualifying deadline in Mississippi. Party primaries are in August, and the general election is in November.