Harper, a Republican has represented Mississippi’s third congressional District since 2009. Harper released a statement today stating that “Serving as a member of the United States House of Representatives was the highest privilege, honor of my life.” Sidney and I will always cherish the opportunity to serve the people in the Third District, the state and the country. After contemplating for nearly two years whether it was time to not run again, after spending Christmas and New Years with our family, we decided that 10 years would be enough. This was not a career I had in mind. It will soon be time to elect another conservative citizen legislator. His full statement can be found here. As chairman of the House Administration Committee since 2006, the Pearl native has been leading discussions about reforming the way sexual harassment is dealt with in the lower chamber. The House Administration Committee chairman has had to respond to reports that it secretly used taxpayer funds for harassment settlements. High-profile candidates are expected to be drawn to the third congressional district that stretches from the Golden Triangle region in southwest Mississippi to the extreme southwest. Harper, an attorney, was previously a prosecutor in Richland and Brandon before being elected to Congress in 2008. From 2000 to 2007, he was the chairman of the Rankin County Republican Party. Harper, 61, has never been challenged by a Republican or Democrat for the House seat. Harper was defeated by 25 points in 2008 when he ran for the second time. His name was also mentioned as a possible replacement for Sen. ThadCochran. His only opponent in the 2012 general election was John Luke Pannell from Reform party, who received just 20% of the final vote. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.