JACKSON — Former Congressman Mike Espy officially announced Friday his candidacy for Mississippi’s U.S. Senate seat vacated by retired Sen. Thad Cochran.

Espy made the announcement in a statement posted on his newly launched website www.espyforsenate.com. A formal announcement and campaign rally will be held in May.

Gov. Phil Bryant recently announced he will name Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith to the vacant seat. Bryant set Nov. 6 for the special election to replace Cochran.

In his announcement, Espy said his family history and upbringing are central to the development of the core principles embraced in his campaign: the worth of every Mississippian, the dignity of work, an unwavering defense of civil rights, voting rights and women’s rights, a commitment to developing opportunities for Mississippi’s youth, support for farmers and industry and an independent voice. He also highlighted his track record of success finding common ground, in business and in government, working with people from different points of view and backgrounds.

“If elected to this important position, I will work every day to be a shining example of the positive qualities of our state- and I will work to unify this state like no one before me ever has” said Espy. “There is no more time for disunity and dysfunction. We simply have too much work to do.”