Mississippi ACLU executive director to run for attorney general

The executive director of Mississippi ACLU announced plans Thursday to run for state attorney general.

Jennifer Riley Collins, 53, of Clinton is the first Democrat to make her intentions known.

Two Republicans, state Rep. Mark Baker of Brandon and state Treasurer Lynn Fitch, have announced plans to seek the office. Attorney General Jim Hood is running for governor.

More:Rep. Mark Baker announces run for attorney general in 2019

More:Lynn Fitch to run for attorney general

Collins, a native of Meridian, received her undergraduate degree from Alcorn State University. She received a Master in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central Texas and a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law.

She has been executive director of the Mississippi ACLU since 2013. She is also vice president of advocacy for the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. She has a long military career in the U.S. Army and Reserves.

Collins said in a statement she has dedicated her life to protecting Mississippians and striving for justice. She said her legal career has put her on the frontlines fighting for criminal justice reform, juvenile justice, poverty, and voting rights.

If elected, she said she will work to protect vulnerable populations, combat the opioid epidemic, strengthen protections for victims of crime and fight for working people.

“Serving as attorney general will allow me to continue dedicated service to this nation and state. In 1985, I lifted my hand then and swore to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I went on to serve as a U.S. Army intelligence officer for 32 years.

"I lift my hand today and promise that when elected, I will protect and serve this state and its wonderful and beautiful people," Collins said. "I will be the attorney general who serves and protects the best and legal interest of all Mississippians.”

Collins has coordinated legislative advocacy efforts aimed at reforming Mississippi’s juvenile justice system and de-institutionalizing at-risk youth.

She has authored a number of professional publications and training materials.

Collins will make her official announcement Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.