Hosemann stated this spring that he wouldn’t be running for re-election in 2019. However, he did not specify which office he would pursue. It was widely believed that it would be the lieutenant governor, so Wednesday’s announcement came as no surprise. According to polls, Hosemann’s three-term secretary was confident that the Legislature, which is headed by the lieutenant Governor as the presiding officers of the Senate, and the speaker, “controls all the laws and budgets” and “where I can make a difference.” Many speculated that he would run to be governor. Hosemann is believed to be the incumbent Lt. Governor. It is widely believed that Tate Reeves (the Republican front-runner for governor in this year’s election) has a frosty relationship with Hosemann. Hosemann, who was the seventh grandchild of Hosemann, stated, “I want to be part of leaving Mississippi a better educated and healthier, more prosperous, and more successful for our children and grandchildren.” Hosemann, 71 years old, made his first announcement Wednesday morning at KLLM’s driving academy. Chief Executive Officer James Richards was proud of his achievements. Hosemann stated that his campaign would be focused on Mississippi’s importance in developing an educated workforce. About 75 people attended the announcement. Hosemann also planned to make nine more announcements in the state today and Thursday. Jay Hughes, D.Oxford State Representative, announced his intention to run for lieutenant governor in May. He has been active campaigning across the state. No one else has declared their intention to run for lieutenant governor. March 1 is the qualifying deadline. Hosemann is an attorney and a native Vicksburgian. He unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House in 2007 before running for secretary of state and winning it. Hosemann stated that he was leaving his post as secretary of state to pursue his goals. These included passing a voter ID law, increasing revenue from 16th Section land, and streamlining the process for businesses to incorporate. When the issue of voter identification was first approved by voters in 2011, it was a contentious issue for the state. It was also enacted in time for the 2014 elections. Hosemann was a strong advocate for requiring voters to present a government-issued photo identification to vote. Many people believe the requirement is problematic in Mississippi, which has a history of voter suppression. However, voter ID was adopted into Mississippi elections without any lawsuits being filed to stop it.