Hernando Mayor Seeks Transportation Post

JACKSON, Mississippi — Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson has qualified to run for northern district transportation commissioner.

Johnson filed papers Tuesday at the Mississippi Republican Party headquarters in Jackson.

He is challenging fellow Republican Mike Tagert of Starkville, who has been commissioner since 2011.

The district covers the northern one-third of the state.

No Democrat has yet entered the race.

Candidates’ qualifying deadline is Friday. Party primaries are Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 3.