Jay Hughes, a state representative from Oxford, is Hughes’ opponent and does not start the year empty-handed. According to campaign finance reports filed Thursday at the Secretary of State’s Office detailing contributions and expenditures for 2018, Hughes, a first-term Democrat, has $437 461. Republican Hosemann, in his third term, was secretary of state for $838,896 and spent $2323,378 during the year. Hughes raised $965,000. However, $835,000 came from Hughes’ personal funds. He spent $527,709. Hosemann’s campaign was announced this year in January, while Hughes announced in May that Hughes would be running for lieutenant governor. Lynn Fitch, Republican Treasurer, raised $366,600 and spent $103,606 on the open race to be attorney general. She also has $281,769 in cash. Republican state Rep. Mark Baker raised $330 641, spent $44,666 on his campaign, and has cash in hand of $378 902. Republican state senator Michael Watson raised $160.542, spent $5.432, and has cash on-hand of $155,115 in the race to fill the vacant seat of secretary. Sam Britton, Republican Southern District Public Service Commissioner, raised $265,250 and spent $11,792. He also has $260,983. Republican state senator Buck Clarke, who is running for treasurer’s seat, raised $33,250 and spent $584. He also has $32,665 in cash. According to a spokesperson, David McRae, a Republican businessman, has not yet filed a report with the Secretary-of-State’s office on Thursday regarding campaign finances. Republican Auditor ShadWhite, who has so far been unopposed, raised $201,606, spent $22,147, and has cash in hand of $179,000.462. Andy Gipson (Republican Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner), who is unopposed raised $29,000. He also spent $15,986 and had cash on hand at $13,019. Republican Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney is unopposed. He did not raise any funds during the last year, spent $1016 and had cash on hand at $260,223. If candidates raise or spend more that $200, they must file campaign finance reports under state law. To be eligible to run for office in 2018, candidates must file campaign finance reports by March 1. People who want to run for office this year have until March 1 to qualify. Republican Speaker Philip Gunn raised $202,203, spent $125 250, and has $316 867 in cash.