State Auditor Race Picks Up More Candidates

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – One of the plaintiffs who filed a federal lawsuit challenging Mississippi’s ban on same-sex marriage is running for state auditor.

Jocelyn Pritchett of Jackson sent an advisory Thursday saying she will announce her candidacy Friday at the state Capitol.

Pritchett goes by her nickname, Joce (JOH’-see). She is a civil engineer and owns Pritchett Engineering and Planning LLC in Flowood.

Pritchett will face retired firefighter Charles Graham of Jackson in the Democratic primary.

Auditor Stacy Pickering of Laurel is seeking a third term. He’s being challenged in the Republican primary by Mary Hawkins Butler, the longtime mayor of Madison.

Friday is the deadline for candidates to qualify for this year’s statewide, regional and legislative offices in Mississippi.

Primaries are Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 3.