Longtime Rep. Thompson Faces Primary Challenge in Mississippi

Generational struggle for control of the Democratic party plays out in 2nd Congressional District race

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mississippi Democrats will decide on Tuesday between longtime U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, a 78-year-old civil rights leader, and his 34-year-old primary challenger Evan Turnage, an antitrust lawyer, in a race that reflects a generational struggle for control of the party. Thompson has held the seat for over three decades, while Turnage is part of a wave of young Democrats hoping to oust older incumbents.

Why it matters

The race in Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic party over the direction of the party and who should lead it - established figures like Thompson or a new generation of leaders like Turnage. The outcome could have implications for the party's future.

The details

Thompson, the chair of the House Jan. 6 Committee and ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee, faces an uphill battle against the 34-year-old Turnage, who has staked his campaign on a message of economic populism and regulating Big Tech. Turnage has raised just over $200,000 since mid-December, compared to the $1.5 million in Thompson's campaign account. However, Thompson's incumbency advantage and long tenure in Congress make him a formidable opponent.

  • Mississippi Democrats will vote in the primary election on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Bennie Thompson

A 78-year-old civil rights leader who has represented Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District for over 30 years.

Evan Turnage

A 34-year-old antitrust lawyer and Democratic challenger seeking to unseat the longtime incumbent Thompson.

Pertis Herman Williams III

Another Democratic challenger who has called for a new era of leadership in the party.

Ron Eller

A military veteran and physician assistant running on the Republican side.

Kevin Wilson

An oilman and county supervisor running on the Republican side.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He knows the issues. That's what makes me trust him.”

— Selket Myles, Jackson, Mississippi resident (wcvb.com)

“He's basically been there like half of people's lives on average. No other challenger has effectively shown why Bennie Thompson should be dethroned.”

— Marvin King, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Mississippi (wcvb.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary on March 10, 2026 will likely succeed in November's general election due to the district's demographic makeup.

The takeaway

The race in Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District reflects the ongoing generational struggle within the Democratic party, as younger challengers like Turnage seek to unseat longtime incumbents like Thompson. The outcome could have significant implications for the party's future direction.