Local Republicans gathered Monday to help raise money and garner support for Delbert Hosemann's campaign for secretary of state.

Hosemann was joined by Cong. Chip Pickering for that Meridian campaign kickoff.

Hosemann spoke to those gathered about some of the issues he wants to deal with if it elected to the office, which oversees elections in Mississippi.

"Those issues are the voter ID program, whether or not Mississippi should have one, which I'm in favor of, and my opponent is opposed to," said Hosemann.

His opponent is Democrat Rob Smith. The two are vying for the spot currently held by Secretary of State Eric Clark, who did not seek re-election.