The news was first reported by the Associated Press. Baker, 55, is a vocal critic of the current Attorney General Jim Hood and has been long considered a potential Republican challenger to the top state law enforcement position. Hood, Mississippi’s only Democrat in a statewide office, is believed to be considering a run for governor next. Baker’s candidacy announcement is the first for the 2019 cycle. All statewide offices and legislative seats will be up for grabs. Baker is the chairman of the House Judiciary A Committee and has been involved in some of the most controversial Republican bills. Baker has sometimes taken positions that were opposed by the leadership, such as advocating for a state lottery. Baker, a former city prosecutor, is now a private lawyer in Brandon. He lives with Lady.