- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hattiesburg Today
By the People, for the People
Mississippi 4th District Republican Primary: Ezell and Walters Vie for Votes
Incumbent Mike Ezell and challenger Sawyer Walters make their case to voters ahead of the March 10 primary election.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
As the March 10 Primary Election approaches in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Ezell is facing a challenge from Sawyer Walters. Ezell, a former Jackson County Sheriff, is touting his work to bring federal resources to South Mississippi, including flood insurance reform and infrastructure funding. Walters, an Oak Grove native and current National Guard officer, is promising to be a visible, hands-on representative who will carry the voice of South Mississippi to Washington. Both candidates are encouraging voters to head to the polls on March 10.
Why it matters
The 4th Congressional District race is a key Republican primary contest that will help determine the party's nominee for the general election. Ezell is seeking to retain his seat, while Walters is looking to unseat the incumbent and bring a new perspective to the district.
The details
Congressman Mike Ezell is running for re-election after taking office in 2023. He says his focus has been on bringing federal resources back to South Mississippi, including flood insurance reform and infrastructure funding. His opponent, Sawyer Walters, is an Oak Grove native, a USM graduate, a former Department of Marine Resources officer, and a current First Lieutenant in the Mississippi National Guard. Walters says he wants to be a visible, hands-on representative who carries South Mississippi's voice to Washington, with priorities including agriculture, small businesses, and a plan to expand opportunities for veterans.
- The March 10 Primary Election is the key date for voters in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District.
The players
Mike Ezell
The incumbent Republican Congressman for Mississippi's 4th District, who is seeking re-election after taking office in 2023. Ezell is a former Jackson County Sheriff.
Sawyer Walters
The challenger to Ezell in the Republican primary, Walters is an Oak Grove native, a USM graduate, a former Department of Marine Resources officer, and a current First Lieutenant in the Mississippi National Guard.
What they’re saying
“There's so many things going on in the 4th Congressional District that I want to continue to work on.”
— Mike Ezell, Incumbent Congressman (WDAM)
“This is an opportunity for me to be able to get out and just have a public voice and give that voice back to the people and represent them for what they want to see in DC.”
— Sawyer Walters, Challenger (WDAM)
What’s next
Voters in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District will head to the polls on March 10 to cast their ballots in the Republican primary election.
The takeaway
The race between incumbent Congressman Mike Ezell and challenger Sawyer Walters highlights the ongoing battle for the Republican party's direction, with Ezell touting his experience and Walters promising a new, more visible approach to representing the district.
