JACKSON - Former congressional candidate Delbert C. Hosemann Jr. filed with the Republican Party on Monday to run for Mississippi secretary of state.

Hosemann, a Jackson lawyer, ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House in 1998 against Democrat Ronnie Shows.

He'll run against former Columbus Mayor Jeffery Rupp in the Republican primary. Rupp filed last week. Candidates have until Thursday to qualify to run in this year's elections.

Shawn O'Hara of Hattiesburg and Hinds County's Jabari Toins are in the Democratic primary race to replace outgoing Secretary of State Eric Clark. At least one other Democrat is expected to file.

Clark, a 56-year-old Democrat in office since 1995, is not seeking re-election.

The primaries are Aug. 7 and the election is Nov. 6.