The list of candidates running for Congressman Gregg Harper’s seat continues to grow.
Earlier today, State Senator Sally Doty (R) announced her candidacy for the soon to be vacant seat in Mississippi’s third congressional district. Doty has served District 39 since her election in 2012. The other candidates currently in the race are Rankin and Madison County DA Michael Guest, and businessmen Whit Hughes and Perry Parker. Doty says that her experience could set her apart in this race.
“This is a very big decision. I spent a lot of time talking to my family, I’ve said a lot of prayers and talked to my constituents and supporters around the state while making sure this was the right decision for me. I’ve looked at the numbers and the vote percentages, and I think this is the right time,” Doty said. “I think my legislative experience sets me apart from the other candidates and would be invaluable in D.C.”
Doty mentioned that she enjoys representing her district here in Mississippi and that she will continue to work hard, but she has seen things at the state level that she hopes to bring change to in Washington.
“Of course, jobs and the economy are number one,” Doty said. “I’m especially interested in the workforce participation rate. Nationally it has gone down, and in Mississippi, ours is one of the lowest, so I’m very interested in what is driving that. I believe that we have some federal policies that have contributed to that. I’m very interested in workforce development issues, and everyone needs to have a job.”
As the chair of the Senate energy committee, Doty sees the state’s progress in that area as a positive. Doty believes that Mississippi has the chance to capitalize on the momentum that it has right now.
Mississippi has never sent a woman to Washington D.C., and while she would be honored to be the first, Doty hopes that more women are represented at all levels of government.
“It would certainly be an honor, but I think we need more women at all levels of government; on the school board, in the state legislature, and in Washington. Women bring something different to the table, and I think it’s important for women’s voices to be heard,” Doty said.
Outside of her seat in the state Senate, Doty is an attorney in the Brookhaven area. She is a graduate of the Mississippi University for Women.
The Republican primary for the November election is set for June 5.
