Bennie Thompson wins Democratic primary in Mississippi’s 2nd District

Longtime U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson defeated two challengers to win the Democratic nomination for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, capturing about 85% of the vote, according to returns.

Challenger Evan Turnage, a Capitol Hill attorney and Yale graduate who has worked for Democrats including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, was viewed by some political observers as a potentially viable challenger, but he trailed Thompson by a wide margin, according to election results.

Thompson, 78, is seeking an 18th term. He was first elected in 1993, served as chair of the Jan. 6 committee and is the ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee, according to congressional records.

Thompson will face either Ron Eller or Kevin Wilson in the Nov. 3 general election; the Republican primary had not been called as of late Tuesday night, according to The Associated Press. Independent Bennie Foster is also on the general election ballot.

All of Mississippi’s U.S. House seats were on the ballot. In the 1st District, Republican Rep. Trent Kelly ran unopposed and Cliff Johnson won the Democratic primary. In the 3rd District, Republican Rep. Michael Guest and Democrat Michael Chiaradio ran unopposed. In the 4th District, Republican Rep. Mike Ezell led with more than 80% when his race was called and State Rep. Jeffrey Hulum won the Democratic nomination, according to returns. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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