Michael Guest, the District Attorney for Madison and Rankin Counties, was in Meridian Thursday to announce his candidacy for Congress in Mississippi’s Third Congressional District, the post held by U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), who is not seeking re-election. 

Guest, 47, a Republican, said in his speech that he is a proponent of limited government, traditional Mississippi values, lower taxes, fewer regulations, the right to life, a strong national defense and the Second Amendment.

“… In short, I have dedicated my life to protecting our communities and see that they remain great places to live and worship and to raise a family,” Guest said.

According to a press release, Guest has served as DA since 2008. In that time, he has prosecuted 20,000 criminals and provided law enforcement with more than $20 million dollars in recovered drug money. Prior to 2008, Guest was an assistant district attorney for 12 years, prosecuting hundreds of criminal cases.

“I’m asking for everyone’s vote because we need a strong, conservative Congressman to represent Mississippi who has a proven record of fighting for what’s right,” Guest said in the release.

Guest filed to run on Jan. 5, the Friday after Harper announced he was not running for re-election.

“What I’m hoping to do is transition my time in the courtroom fighting for victims of crime into the halls of Congress and fight for Mississippi’s interest in Washington D.C.,” Guest said on Jan. 5.

Whit Hughes of Madison and Perry Parker of Seminary, both Republicans, have also filed to run for Harper’s seat.

With a qualifying deadline of March 1, party primaries are June 5, and the general election is Nov. 6.