DECIDING TO RUN

These resources can help you decide whether running for office (and what office) might be right for you.

Is running right for me?

The Women’s Public Leadership Network’s course guides you through the essential questions to ask yourself when deciding whether running for public office is right for you.

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What office should I run for?

From state legislature to school board, each elected office has a unique set of responsibilities and qualification requirements. Learn more about where you’re eligible to run and what offices match your passions and interests.

This quiz from She Should Run can help you decide which office is right for you. Additionally, She Should Run’s Public Office Profile Suite has key information on elected offices, including what skills might be helpful to have if you’re considering a run.

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Vote Run Lead’s webinar What Office Should I Run For?” can help you determine which office is the best fit for you using the skills, traits, and background you already have.

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What offices am I eligible to run for?

Learn more about the different offices up for election in Mississippi and the required qualifications, including age and residency requirements.

Use this tool from Run for Something to determine where you’re eligible to run.

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The Mississippi Secretary of State website house a candidate qualification guide as well as a list of elected offices in Mississippi. While not yet updated for the 2023 election, checking the eligibility requirements on these sources is key to ensuring you are eligible for certain offices.

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Learn more about the major elected positions in state and local government using The Thurgood Marshall Institute’s Guide to Local Elections.

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List of Offices in Mississippi

Federal

U.S. President

U.S. Vice President 

U.S. Senator 

U.S. Representative 

Statewide

Governor 

Lieutenant Governor 

Secretary of State 

State Auditor 

State Treasurer 

Commissioner of Insurance 

State Attorney General 

Commissioner of Agriculture & Commerce  

State District

Public Service Commissioner 

Transportation Commissioner 

District Attorney 

State Senator 

State Representative 

Judicial

Supreme Court Justice  

Court of Appeals Judge 

Circuit & Chancery Court Judge 

County and Local

Sheriff 

Chancery Clerk 

Circuit Clerk 

Tax Assessor 

Tax Collector  

County Court Judge 

Surveyor  

Coroner 

Supervisor 

Justice Court Judge 

Constable 

Elections Commissioner 

School Board 

Mayor 

Alderman 

Councilman 

Municipal Office  

If you decide running for office isn’t right for you right now, there are still plenty of ways to be involved. Check out Center for American Women and Politics’ Definitive Guide for Getting Political.