The former Mayor of Hattiesburg is running for a state-wide office.
Democrat Johnny DuPree served as the Mayor of Hattiesburg from 2001 to 2017, and he has now qualified to run for Secretary of State in the upcoming November elections. In a Facebook post, Dupree said that he hopes to shine a light on what he called “irregularities” in the state’s voting system and inspire young Mississippians to get out and vote.
“I am honored and excited to announce my candidacy for Mississippi Secretary of State. After serving 16 years as mayor of one of Mississippi’s largest cities, I was able to get an up-close look at the irregularities in our voting systems. I also witnessed the apathy and dismissive behavior of younger folk who had no interest in voting.
Our campaign will address these, and many other, issues. Please join our campaign. There is much work to be done. Together, we can do this,” DuPree said.
DuPree becomes the first Democrat to enter the race, while State Senator Michael Watson and Southern District Public Service Commissioner Sam Britton are running in a Republican primary.
The former Mayor is no stranger to statewide elections, having run for Governor in 2011, but he was defeated by his Republican opponent, Phil Bryant.
Current Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann is running for Lt. Governor.
