Democrats appear to be in range of upsetting the political dynamic in the U.S. House, but Mississippi voters opted to stick with the status quo, returning all four incumbent House members Tuesday. Trent Kelly, Bennie Thompson, Michael Guest and Mike Ezell each won another term, according to unofficial returns.
None of the four races was close, though every Republican in the delegation ran behind his last election showing.
Kelly, a Republican from Saltillo, has held the 1st District since 2015. He beat Democrat Cliff Johnson 62.2 percent to 36.3 percent, with Libertarian Johnny Baucom at 1.4 percent. Kelly took 69.81 percent in 2024.
Thompson, a Democrat from Bolton, has held the 2nd District since 1993 and is the longest-serving member of the delegation. He beat Republican Ron Eller 66.3 percent to 31.2 percent, with independent Bennie Foster at 2.5 percent. Thompson took 62.02 percent in 2024, when Eller was also his opponent.
Guest, a Republican from Brandon, has held the 3rd District since 2019. He beat Democrat Michael Chiaradio 58.6 percent to 40.2 percent, with Libertarian Erik Kiehle at 1.2 percent. Guest ran unopposed in 2024. The last time he faced a general election opponent, in 2022, he took 70.74 percent.
Ezell, a Republican from Pascagoula, has held the 4th District since 2023. He beat Democrat Jeffrey Hulum III 57.6 percent to 39.7 percent, with independent Carl Boyanton at 2.7 percent. Ezell took 73.95 percent in 2024.
County election commissioners have 10 days after the election to transmit returns to the Secretary of State under Section 23-15-603. Certified county totals are the final results.
Image: Trent Kelly, Bennie Thompson, Michael Guest and Mike Ezell (clockwise from top left)
It's incomprehensible that the electorate in MS vote for less in life.