As the race for Mississippi's third district congressional seat heats up, candidates are spending a lot of time in Meridian.

Republican Gregg Harper opened his campaign headquarters at 800 22nd Avenue Thursday.

Harper is an attorney from Rankin County. He said Meridian is vital to his campaign for Congress, and the state as a whole.

"We're committed to doing everything we can to help east Mississippi reach its full potential," said Harper. "We're very committed to making sure the interchange comes in at the industrial park; that's something that's just got to take place. "

Harper also said he wants to make sure health care remains a private business and is not taken over by the government. He said that will protect this area's vital health care industry.