In this July 26, 2019 photo, Velesha P. Williams, a former Army captain, teacher and university administrator, is photographed in Jackson, Miss., Williams believes voters should consider her experiences and leadership training and vote for her as she seeks the Democratic nomination for governor. Williams is running against seven other candidates including Attorney General Jim Hood and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)