Former Republican Bill Marcy running as Democrat in U.S. Senate race in Mississippi

Bill Marcy
Bill Marcy
Bill Marcy

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Bill Marcy says he’s changing party labels, but not beliefs, to run as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Mississippi this year.

The Vicksburg resident courted tea party voters when he ran as a Republican for the U.S. House in 2010 and 2012. Both times, he lost to Democratic incumbent Bennie Thompson.

Marcy said Friday that he filed qualifying papers Wednesday with the state Democratic Party.

Republican Thad Cochran, first elected to the Senate in 1978, faces a primary challenge from Chris McDaniel, a state lawmaker with tea party backing.

The 67-year-old Marcy, who’s African-American, says he believes he’ll be elected with support of black voters and tea party members.

He’s the only person running as a Democrat so far. Candidates’ qualifying deadline is March 1.