By Rupert Howell and Billy Davis

District 11 state Rep. Warner McBride of Courtland is planning a run for  Northern District highway commissioner, he said this week.

McBride hopes to fill the unexpired term of his friend Bill Minor of Holly Springs, who died November 1.

McBride said he plans to make a public announcement after Gov. Haley Barbour sets an election date.

Barbour, per state law, is required to name an election day within 15 days after Minor’s death, with the special election coming within 60 days of the proclamation.

An election date is likely to fall in January to replace Minor, who was first elected to represent the  northern third of the state in 2003.

Minor, a Democrat, had served in the state Senate before he was elected to the state post.

McBride chairs the House Transportation Committee, a position that gives him enviable influence and exposure across the state.

McBride has served in the state House of Representatives since 1992.

Joey Hood of Itawamba County said Wednesday that he is also a candidate.

Hood has worked with MDOT for the past 17 years, the last three as Minor’s assistant.