NATCHEZ — It’s official, Angie Brown is running for sheriff.

Brown made her announcement at a staff meeting with Adams County deputies Thursday.

“I’ve been giving it serious consideration,” Brown said of her decision to run in November’s special election.

In early March, Brown was appointed as Adams County’s interim sheriff after her husband and former sheriff Ronny Brown died of a heart attack.

But Brown is not alone in her desire to hold the position.

Adams County Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker said two other candidates, Adams County Constable Ray Brown and retired Natchez Police detective Roosevelt Owens, have already filed signed petitions that would allow them to enter the race.

To qualify to run for office, tentative candidates must be registered to vote in Adams County, have no state or federal convictions and file a petition signed by at least 50 registered Adams County voters endorsing their candidacy.

Walker said so far, eight people have picked up the necessary paperwork to file to run for sheriff.

Of the eight, only Ray Brown and Owens have returned their signed petitions.

But just because a petition has been filed in the clerk’s office, it does not mean the candidate is qualified to run.

Walker said no candidates will be officially qualified to run until September when the election commissioners meet to certify the applications.

“Right now, no one is qualified,” Walker said.

Brown said while she has picked up a petition, she won’t likely have it filled out until next week.

Brown said if elected, she would continue the programs her husband stared in office.

“He put down a great foundation for us to build on,” Brown said of programs such as D.A.R.E and inmate ministries.

“I want to see those things continued.”

Owens, a retired Natchez Police Department Detective, said he liked the spirit of cooperation that blossomed between the ACSO and the NPD under Brown’s administration.

Owens said if elected, he would continue to improve on that cooperative effort.

Ray Brown said if he’s put in office he’ll focus on “moving the community forward” and work to guarantee the safety of families in the community.

Additionally, Adams County Youth Court Administrator Chuck Mayfield, a retired Adams County Deputy, said he is considering entering the race.

Mayfield has yet to pick up the paperwork necessary to enter the race.