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East Mississippi residents will have an opportunity to hear from the six Republicans who are seeking to represent Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District in the House of Representatives during a Republican candidate forum planned Wednesday, May 23.

The forum is sponsored by Lauderdale County Republican Party, presented by WTOK-TV, The Meridian Star and hosted by Meridian Community College.

Republican candidates Sally Doty, Morgan Dunn, Michael Guest, Whit Hughes, Perry Parker and Katherine “Bitzi” Tate have accepted invitations to attend the two-hour forum, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. May 23 in Meridian Community College’s McCain Theater. 

Candidates will each make opening and closing statements and be questioned by reporters from WTOK and The Meridian Star and two political analysts. Syndicated columnist Sid Salter will be the moderator. Watch for opportunities to suggest questions through The Meridian Star and WTOK websites and social media sites.

Admission is free, but tickets must be picked up in advance at The Meridian Star, 814 22nd Ave., Meridian, during business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visitors are limited to six tickets.

The audience will be seated between 6:15-6:45 p.m. in McCain Theater, which is located on the campus at 910 Highway 19N, Meridian, MS 39307.

Those who are unable to attend may watch live coverage on WTOK-TV and by livestream at meridianstar.com, wtok.com and the WTOK mobile app. 

Voting in the primary is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 5.

The candidates are competing for the seat held by Republican Gregg Harper, who is not seeking reelection.

Michael Aycox and Michael Ted Evans are competing in the Democratic primary, also June 5.