The ballot is set for Mississippi’s upcoming congressional elections with the qualifying deadline passing over the weekend. The following list features all candidates already approved by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office, meaning they will be included in party-held primary races on March 12. The general election will then take place on November 5.
U.S. House District 1
Trent Kelly (Republican)
Incumbent Trent Kelly is seeking a sixth term after first winning a special election runoff in 2015. Kelly has spent 38 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard, currently serving as Major General. In Congress, the Union native serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Committee on Agriculture, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Dianne Black (Democrat)
Dianne Black is once again trying to secure the Democratic nomination for District 1. In 2022, Kelly defeated Black by nearly 80,000 votes. Black then went on to run for Mississippi House District 52 during the most recent election cycle, falling to Republican Bill Kinkade by 23 points. A hairstylist by trade, the Olive Branch native has run a salon for over 40 years. According to her campaign website, running points include affordable access to healthcare, reproductive privacy, and stricter gun laws.
Matthew “Bronco” Williams (Democrat)
Matthew “Bronco” Williams is a writer and educator who wants to see more emphasis on education in Congress. Other issues Williams would prioritize if elected are job shortages, access to healthcare, and conserving the environment.
U.S. House District 2
Bennie Thompson (Democrat)
Bennie Thompson is seeking a 16th term, which would make him one of the longest-tenured members in the House at over 30 years representing District 2. The once mayor of small-town Bolton has strengthened his name identity over the past two years through his work as chairman of the House Jan. 6 Committee. Other congressional achievements of Thompson include authoring legislation to create the National Center for Minority Health and Health Care Disparities and being selected as the first Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee (2007-2011, 2019-2023). He currently serves as the ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee as Republicans retook a majority in the House in 2022.
Ron Eller (Republican)
After failing to secure the Republican nomination for District 2 back in 2022, Ron Eller is giving it another shot. Eller served in the Army before he and his wife moved to Mississippi, where he began working in the medical field. Eller currently works as a cardiothoracic physician assistant at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson. He is also the founder of a manufacturing company called Buck Warrior Enterprises. Eller is running on what he calls the “E-3 Plan.”
Andrew Smith (Republican)
A Marion Couty native, Andrew Smith is looking to restore economic dominance in Jackson and the Mississippi Delta, rejuvenate agriculture in the area, restore infrastructure, and reduce crime. He is also passionate about addressing issues pertaining to veterans, such as enhanced access to healthcare, transition to civilian life, and providing housing options for those who are homeless.
Taylor Turcotte (Republican)
A Jackson native, Taylor Turcotte is running for office for the first time after a career in advertising. She blames Thompson for the struggles the capital city has faced while also wanting to put a stop to crime across District 2.
U.S. House District 3
Michael Guest (Republican)
Coming off a tough 2022 primary that resulted in a run-off against then-challenger Michael Cassidy, the path back to Cannon is a bit clearer this time around for Michael Guest. Like Thompson, Guest has done a stellar job increasing his political identity. Through his position as chairman of the House Ethics Committee, the former Rankin County district attorney has made countless headlines with his work in ousting embattled New York Congressman George Santos. Guest also serves on the Appropriations Committee and as vice chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.
Jarvis Gordan (Democrat)
Jarvis Gordan has dropped out of the race.
U.S House District 4
Mike Ezell (Republican)
Still in his first term representing District 4, Mike Ezell has the most challengers out of any of Mississippi’s House members with two. Ezell was one of the oldest newcomers of the most recent congressional class at age 63 but has done what he can to tackle the learning curve. The former Jackson County sheriff serves on both the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Carl Boyanton (Republican)
Carl Boyanton is running for District 4’s seat for the third consecutive election cycle. In 2020, he garnered nine percent of the Republican vote before doing even worse in 2022 with 6.2 percent of the vote. Boyanton, the owner of Farmer Fresh Produce, LLC, is pushing for term limits, better sex education to eliminate the need for abortion, elimination of federal departments, and changing the cost of college loans.
Michael McGill (Republican)
A retired army veteran who served for two decades, Michael McGill seeks to prevent Ezell from serving a second term in Congress. If elected, McGill plans to prioritize infrastructure investments, bolster education, ensure access to healthcare, and combat hunger and sex trafficking. He also plans to update antiquated laws while being a vocal champion for children and veterans.
Craig Raybon (Democrat)
Craig Raybon does not have a campaign website or Facebook set up currently.
U.S. Senate
Roger Wicker (Republican)
With Cindy Hyde-Smith not up for reelection until 2026, Roger Wicker is the only U.S. Senate member from Mississippi running this year. Wicker, who has held his seat since 2007, has become one of the strongest Republicans in the chamber. Following the 117th Congress, The Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked Wicker as the No. 7 most successful Republican in advancing legislative measures. He has since grown his political reach through his work as ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee during the 118th Congress. Wicker is also a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Ghannon Burton (Republican)
Often referred to as “The Colonel,” Ghannon Burton is a retired Marine Corps colonel looking to make a change to the political landscape of Mississippi. According to a news release from his campaign, Burton is using the tagline, “We can do better,” to try to convince residents to vote out Wicker. Burton’s campaign said he wants to focus on securing the U.S.-Mexico border, curbing inflation, and strengthening the military.
Dan Eubanks (Republican)
A state representative from DeSoto County, Dan Eubanks is looking to bring a more patriotic element to Congress and rid the Senate of an “establishment” Republican in Wicker. Eubanks is running on the platform of cutting taxes, championing pro-life causes, protecting religious liberties, and securing the southern border. He often touts his record as one of the most conservative members of the Mississippi legislature and wants to bring that reputation to Washington D.C.
Ty Pinkins (Democrat)
After a last-minute run for secretary of state due to the previous Democratic nominee having to withdraw over health issues, Ty Pinkins has once again turned his attention back to trying to dethrone Wicker. A native of Rolling Fork, Pinkins served over two decades in the Army with three combat tours in Iraq earning him a Bronze Star. He then became an attorney and has made a name for himself fighting for Black farm workers in the Delta who are paid less than their white South African counterparts. Pinkins even testified before Congress in July 2022 regarding the matter. His running points include making healthcare more affordable, ensuring agriculture bills actually benefit small family farmers, prioritizing affordable housing, and further investing in education.
