HOUSE

Mississippi MS-02 House2026

RACE AT A GLANCE

RACE TYPE

Incumbent running

Bennie Thompson (D)

RACE RATING

Last updated : Feb 6, 2025
Solid D

COOK PARTISAN VOTING INDEX

Last updated : Nov 17, 2025
D +50
R +50
D +11

Race summary

Despite pressure on some of Democrats’ eldest legislators to make way for a new generation of leaders, 77-year-old Rep. Bennie Thompson told Axios that he would seek an 18th term in 2026. He faces two Democratic challengers: attorney Evan Turnage, and community organizer Pertis Williams III.

Key Dates

Filing Deadline: Feb 1, 2026

Primary Election: Jun 2, 2026

INCUMBENT

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First Elected: Sign in to view

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INCUMBENT

Bennie Thompson

First Elected: 1993

Last General Election: 62.0%

Last Primary Election: -

Full Bio:
THOMPSON, Bennie, a Representative from Mississippi; born in Bolton, Hinds County, Miss., January 28, 1948; B.A., Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Miss., 1968; M.S., Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss., 1972; teacher; member of the Bolton, Miss., board of aldermen, 1969-1973; Mayor of Bolton, Miss., 1973-1979; member of the Hinds County, Miss., board of supervisors, 1980-1993; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Third Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative Alphonso Michael (Mike) Espy, and reelected to the twelve succeeding Congresses (April 13, 1993-present); chair, Committee on Homeland Security (One Hundred Tenth and One Hundred Eleventh Congresses).

Source: Bioguide

CANDIDATES

Republicans

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DISTRICT DATA

Mississippi - 02

Mississippi Delta: Jackson, Greenville, Natchez 

Population Breakdown

Source: 2020 Census (VAP) for 2026

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    xx.x%
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    xx.x%
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    xx.x%
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    xx.xx%
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    xx.x%

Past Presidential Results from this District

2024 Election Results

Source: Dave Leip

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    xx.x%
    xx votes
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    xx.x%
    xx votes

2020 Election Results

Source: Dave's Redistricting/VEST

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    xx.x%
    xx votes
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    xx.x%
    xx votes

RACE ANALYSIS

Race Analysis

Updated: Jul 9, 2025

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