Incumbent
MS-02 Democratic nominee?
$8.8K
MAR 17, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyConservative Democrat
Age78 years old (Jan 28, 1948)
GenderMale
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LocationMississippi
BackgroundPolitician
EducationTougaloo College — B.A., Political Science (1968)
Notable personal detailsBennie Gordon Thompson is a Democratic U.S. representative for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, first elected in a special election in 1993. Before Congress, he served in local government in Bolton and on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, and worked as a teacher. He earned a B.A. from Tougaloo College and an M.S. from Jackson State University. He has chaired the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security (2007–2011, 2019–2023) and later served as its ranking member.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports protecting and expanding federal safety‑net programs and opposes tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy; emphasizes aid for low‑income Mississippians and policies (like earned‑income tax credits and Medicaid support) that help working families. Prioritizes federal investment to support hospitals, SNAP, Medicaid and other programs serving low‑income communities.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to affordable health care, including outreach to enroll uninsured in the Affordable Care Act and protecting/expanding Medicaid and rural health services. Has voted for bipartisan measures to lower prescription drug costs and emphasizes preventing Medicaid cuts that would harm constituents. Focuses on improving access to care in underserved and rural communities in Mississippi’s 2nd District.
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Immigration & Border
Supports preserving access to asylum and humane treatment for migrants while calling for sensible border management and oversight of enforcement agencies. Criticizes measures that expand harsh enforcement or block refugee resettlement and has urged limits on certain DHS/ICE actions while seeking bipartisan solutions to strengthen border security alongside protections for vulnerable migrants.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports statutory protections for abortion access and has voted in favor of federal measures expanding and protecting reproductive health care, including the Women’s Health Protection Act and related access bills. Has also supported contraception access and opposed measures that restrict reproductive services.
Climate & Energy
The candidate supports federal clean-energy and climate-related measures and funding to help households with energy costs, while also supporting energy projects that include cleaner and more efficient fossil-fuel generation during transitions. Public statements and legislative activity show advocacy for investments in cleaner energy and climate solutions alongside pragmatic support for transitional energy infrastructure.
Public Safety & Guns
Bennie Thompson has sponsored and publicly supported federal measures to reduce gun violence, including legislation to address untraceable “ghost guns,” and has participated in congressional efforts and a task force aimed at producing comprehensive gun-violence policy that balances community safety with lawful gun ownership. He has supported strengthening federal responses to emerging firearm threats and endorsed targeted regulatory measures rather than blanket deregulation.
News
Bennie Thompson won the Democratic primary for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, defeating challengers including Evan Turnage. The win puts the long-serving congressman in strong position for the general election in a district described as a Democratic stronghold. Coverage has focused on the primary outcome and what it means for his bid to continue in the seat.
Longtime U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson defeats young Democratic challenger in Mississippi primary
Harris, Fuller entering runoff in Georgia US House contest
Longtime US Rep. Bennie Thompson defeats young Democratic challenger in Mississippi primary
Longtime Rep. Bennie Thompson Tops Young Dem Rival in Miss. Primary
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262022
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements