Brookhaven Native Williams Aims to Unite Mississippi in Congressional Bid

Democratic candidate Pertis Williams III wants to bring together Republicans and Democrats to focus on the state's future.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pertis Williams III, one of three Democratic candidates running for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District, is campaigning on a platform of uniting the state and moving it forward on key issues like agriculture, education, and utilizing the knowledge of the state's elders. Williams, a Brookhaven native, believes Mississippi can work across party lines to address the needs of all its residents, rather than focusing solely on individual districts.

Why it matters

Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District has long been represented by Democrat Bennie Thompson, but Williams is challenging the incumbent in the primary with a message of bipartisanship and statewide collaboration. If elected, Williams could bring a new approach to representing the district, which encompasses much of the state's agricultural heartland.

The details

Williams said he wants to see Mississippi work together across its congressional districts to leverage the state's strengths, such as its agricultural resources, to benefit all residents. He also wants to focus on improving schools and incorporating the knowledge of the state's elders into the system. For Williams, the campaign is about more than just politics - he believes Mississippi can unite Republicans and Democrats around a shared vision for the state's future.

  • The March 10 primary election will determine the Democratic nominee for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District.

The players

Pertis Williams III

A Brookhaven native and one of three Democratic candidates running for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District.

Bennie Thompson

The longtime Democratic representative of Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District, who is also running in the primary.

Evan Turnage

Another Democratic candidate running for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“In District 2, why aren't we working with 1, 3, and 4 to make a better Mississippi? Utilize the talent of all of the state, rather than just focusing on your area. Being that District 2 is very agricultural, utilize that to help feed the rest of the state as they provide other things that we may need in this sector.”

— Pertis Williams III, Congressional Candidate (WAPT)

“It's about food changing, to the schools changing, to us adding our elders into our system where they're benefiting us with their knowledge base.”

— Pertis Williams III, Congressional Candidate (WAPT)

“One of the things I'd like to do is bring Mississippi together, Republican and Democrat. I think on a common bond right now, we can start focusing on the future of the children rather than on our political affiliations.”

— Pertis Williams III, Congressional Candidate (WAPT)

What’s next

The March 10 primary election will determine the Democratic nominee for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District.

The takeaway

Pertis Williams III's campaign for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District is focused on bringing the state together across party lines to address key issues like agriculture, education, and utilizing the knowledge of the state's elders. If elected, he could represent a new approach for the district, which has long been held by a Democrat.