JACKSON (AP) — Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is expected in Mississippi, where he’ll be asking for votes and raising funds for his campaign.

The Arizona senator will start his swing through the state Sunday at the air show in Meridian.

McCain is scheduled to speak at Mississippi State University’s Riley Center in Meridian on Monday morning. He is expected to talk about his ancestors and his family’s tradition of service.

Later that day, he’ll attend a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser in Jackson at the University Club, according to an e-mail sent out to members of the Madison County Republican Women.

McCain is the presumptive Republican nominee for president as all other candidates have dropped out. Democratic presidential candidates and U.S. Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois still are battling for their party’s nomination.

‘‘The McCain family has roots here and that’s certainly something that I think will help him,’’ said Brad White, executive director of the state GOP. ‘‘The more opportunities that we give the people of Mississippi to see Sen. McCain and to hear his message, the better.’’

McCain’s great-grandfather was a sheriff in Carroll County and his grandfather was raised there.

In the 1960s, McCain spent some time in Meridian as a flight instructor.