Hosemann Runs for 3rd Term as Mississippi Secretary of State

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Republican Delbert Hosemann of Jackson says he’s running for a third term as Mississippi secretary of state.

The 67-year-old Hosemann filed qualifying papers Monday at the state Republican Party headquarters.

He’s the first person to enter the race for secretary of state. Candidates’ qualifying deadline is Friday, and it’s not clear whether Democrats will challenge Hosemann.

As the state’s top elections officer, Hosemann has been in charge of implementing a voter identification law that took effect last year. People are required to show a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID at the polls. Those who don’t have one of the required types of ID can get one free at a circuit clerk’s office.

The secretary of state also manages publicly owned 16th Section land and tidelands.