JACKSON — The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi said Friday that she is running for state attorney general.
Jennifer Riley Collins became the first Democratic candidate to announce for the race. In addition to being an attorney, she served 32 years as a military intelligence officer — 14 years on active duty and 18 years in the National Guard and Army Reserves.
“In 1985, I lifted my hand then and swore to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic,” Riley Collins said in a prepared statement. “I lift my hand today and promise that when elected, I will protect and serve this state and its wonderful and beautiful people. I will be the attorney general who serves and protects the best and legal interest of all Mississippians.”
Riley Collins grew up in Meridian and lives in Clinton. Her campaign website says she wants to protect civil rights, support crime victims and fight opioid abuse.
The current attorney general, Democrat Jim Hood, is finishing his fourth term and is running for governor.
The two Republicans running for attorney general are fourth-term state Rep. Mark Baker of Brandon and second-term state Treasurer Lynn Fitch of Ridgeland.
Candidates’ qualifying deadline is March 1. Party primaries are in August, and the general election is in November.
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