Earlier this week, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell (R) became the first to announce a run for Congress in Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District, but all indications are that he won’t be the last.
Incumbent Congressman Steven Palazzo, who has served the district since 2011, has not made a formal announcement regarding his intention to seek re-election but in an emailed statement said that he plans “to continue to serve as long as the constituents of the fourth district have faith in me to do so.”
Republican Carl Boyanton has also entered the race.
As for how many more candidates may throw their hat into the ring, Mississippi GOP Chairman Frank Bordeaux hinted that the field could get crowded.
“Down here it’s going to be a free for all…“I do believe you’ll probably see another 12 or 13 folks jump in there with names that I’ve heard about,” Bordeaux said.
So who could join Ezell, Palazzo & Boyanton in the race? Ricky Mathews, the host of Coast Vue on SuperTalk Mississippi, has his ear to the ground in South Mississippi and offered the following names that have been swirling around the rumor mill.
- State Senator Brice Wiggins
- Clay Wagner – Hancock County Businessman, Senior VP of Hancock Bank
- Beverly Martin – Harrison County Board of Supervisors VP
- Public Service Commissioner & Chairman Dane Maxwell
There’s plenty of time for the field to take shape as the primary elections aren’t until June 7, 2022 ahead of the general election on November 8th, 2022.
The list of potential challengers emerges as Congressman Palazzo faces allegations of misusing campaign funds through an investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The congressman has continued to deny all allegations.
