JACKSON – Tupelo attorney Kelly Mims has filed qualifying papers to seek the state Court of Appeals seat held by Donna Barnes of Tupelo.

Mims' name appears on the candidate list today for the non-party election Nov. 2.

He's widely known in Democratic Party circles, although in recent months he's sought to disassociate himself from party affiliations because the court election prohibits partisan behavior.

Barnes was appointed to the court a few years ago by Republican Gov. Haley Barbour. This will be her first regular election cycle campaign to hold the seat.