Tagert Announces Candidacy For Congress

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert of Starkville is joining the expanding field for a vacant congressional seat in north Mississippi.

The Starkville resident is at least the ninth person to announce as a candidate in the race to succeed Republican Rep. Alan Nunnelee, who died Feb. 6.

Candidates’ qualifying deadline is March 27. The election is May 12, and a runoff is June 2.

Others running are Columbus businessman Boyce Adams, Columbus businessman Danny Bedwell, state Sen. Nancy Collins of Tupelo, district attorney Trent Kelly of Saltillo, Fulton attorney Chip Mills, Tupelo attorney Greg Pirkle, Oxford attorney Daniel Sparks and Oxford attorney Quentin Whitwell.

The 1st District stretches from Memphis, Tennessee, suburbs in DeSoto County to the Golden Triangle area. It includes Southaven, Oxford, Tupelo, Iuka, Columbus and Louisville.