Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Steve Simpson is launching his campaign as a Republican for attorney general.

A news release from his campaign says Simpson will make several appearances around the state Monday to announce his candidacy.

Democrat Jim Hood, who’s in his second term as attorney general, has already said he’s seeking re-election.

Simpson is a former prosecutor and circuit court judge in coastal Harrison County.

Republican Gov. Haley Barbour appointed Simpson as public safety commissioner in April 2008. It was not immediately clear whether Simpson will remain commissioner while campaigning.