Democratic challenger launches ad criticizing Bennie Thompson’s long tenure ahead of Mississippi primary
Evan Turnage, an attorney with ties to prominent congressional Democrats, launched a new campaign ad Tuesday in his bid to unseat Rep. Bennie Thompson in Mississippi’s 2nd District. The ad, part of a six-figure media buy, airs ahead of the March 10 primary election.
Turnage, 33, criticized Thompson’s nearly three-decade tenure, saying the district remains one of the poorest in the country. “That was true when I was one, when our congressman was first elected, it’s true today,” Turnage said. He added that if Thompson’s time in office had improved conditions, there would be no need for change. “If life has gotten harder and less fair for you and your neighbors, then I ask for your support to bring new ideas and new leadership,” he said.
A Thompson spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. Thompson has recently criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies and has received endorsements from local politicians, including Jackson Mayor John Horhn.
Turnage, a former aide to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, has notable Democratic connections. He previously worked with Warren on legislation targeting corporate power and served as a top lawyer for Schumer. He now leads the Southern Justice Project at the Open Markets Institute.
Thompson, who has represented Mississippi’s 2nd District since 1993, is a prominent civil rights leader and former chair of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He has expressed confidence that his record will “speak for itself.” Turnage officially entered the race on Dec. 17, proposing a platform that includes student debt relief, housing support, broadband expansion, and a “Come Home” initiative to reverse brain drain. He also supports a Working Families Tax Credit and increased maternal health funding.
On campaign finance, Turnage has criticized Thompson for accepting money from private prison companies. Federal Election Commission reports show Thompson had $1.6 million on hand as of Dec. 31, 2025, including a $5,000 donation from GEO Group. Turnage raised $65,464 during the same period. On the Republican side, Kevin Wilson, an Adams County supervisor, is challenging Ron Eller, who lost to Thompson by nearly 25 points in 2024. Independent candidate Bennie Foster also is running for the seat.
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