Trending Now - Mississippi Voters Face Decision on Rep. Thompson's Re-election

WHO:

Bennie Thompson, U.S. Representative, Democrat from Mississippi

Evan Turnage, 34-year-old Democratic primary challenger, antitrust lawyer

Pertis Herman Williams III, Democratic primary candidate

Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker, Democrat from California

Steny Hoyer, former House Majority Leader, Democrat from Maryland

Jerry Nadler, U.S. Representative, Democrat from New York

Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator, Democrat from Illinois

Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator, Democrat from New Hampshire

Marvin King, associate professor of political science at the University of Mississippi

Ron Eller, Republican candidate, military veteran, physician assistant

Kevin Wilson, Republican candidate, oilman, county supervisor

WHAT:

Bennie Thompson has served in Congress for over 33 years.

Thompson has more than $1.5 million in campaign funds.

Evan Turnage's campaign has raised just over $200,000 and has under $40,000 left to spend.

Thompson previously defeated Ron Eller in 2024 with 62% of the vote.

The Democratic primary is a contest for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District.

WHERE:

Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, a majority Black Democratic stronghold.

Jackson, Mississippi, where the primary decision is taking place.

WHEN:

The primary election is on March 10th, 2026.

Thompson was seen before a House Homeland Security Committee on January 10th, 2024.

The 119th Congress has seen a historic number of departures since 2018.

WHY:

The primary race reflects a generational struggle for control of the Democratic Party.

Turnage's campaign focuses on economic populism and the regulation of Big Tech and artificial intelligence.

Thompson's long tenure is being challenged due to the district's ongoing poverty.

HOW:

Thompson campaigns by focusing on the needs of the people in Mississippi's Second Congressional District.

Turnage's campaign strategy includes highlighting Thompson's extensive tenure and the lack of progress in the district.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 13:20 UTC)

Today marks the primary election for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, where incumbent Bennie Thompson faces challenges from Evan Turnage and Pertis Herman Williams III. Thompson, who has served in Congress for over 33 years and previously defeated Ron Eller in 2024, boasts more than $1.5 million in campaign funds, while Turnage has raised just over $200,000 and is focusing on economic populism and regulation of Big Tech. This primary reflects a generational struggle within the Democratic Party, as candidates address the ongoing poverty in the district and the need for progress.