Jackson lawyer Delbert C. Hosemann Jr. today filed with the Mississippi Republican Party to run for secretary of state.

Hosemann, a longtime GOP leader, was an unsuccessful GOP congressional candidate a few years ago in a race won by Democrat Ronnie Shows.

Jeffery Rupp, the former Columbus mayor who is on leave from his administrative post at Mississippi State University, has also qualified with the GOP for the job.

Secretary of State Eric Clark, 56, a Democrat, isn't seeking re-election after holding the post since 1996 and serving four terms in the Mississippi House.

Democrats in the race are Shawn O'Hara of Hattiesburg and Jabari Toins of Hinds County.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Thursday to qualify. The party primaries are in August and the general election in November.