TUPELO - Registered nurse and community activist Nancy Adams Collins launched her bid for the state's District 6 Senate seat at a Friday press conference behind Joyner Elementary School.

Collins, who had gained national attention for her work to establish Sanctuary Hospice House in 2003, said she chose the Joyner location because it's where she first attended school.

"I was blessed with a good education," said the 63-year-old, who grew up in Tupelo's public school system.

Collins graduated from Itawamba Community College and Mississippi University for Women before becoming a registered nurse, speech therapist and welfare social worker. She is married to Jim Collins and the couple have four children and five grandchildren.

"I believe that you earn your way, build your life and then enter public service," Collins said to a crowd of more than 65 people gathered at the Rockwell Youth Center.

Collins is the second person to formally announce candidacy for the seat vacated this month by Alan Nunnelee, who on Nov. 2 won the state's 1st District congressional election.

Businessman Doug Wright made his announcement Thursday.

Neither has past political experience.

All candidates will face off in a special election Jan. 11. It will be nonpartisan, meaning candidates will not be identified by party on the ballot.

If elected, Collins said she'll be an advocate for people of all ages and promote economic opportunities and a good education.

"I don't want to shackle our children with debt," she said. "Fiscal waste must be eliminated. We must create an environment for job growth. We need more taxpayers, not more taxes."

Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com.