Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District is represented by Congressman Bennie Thompson, a Democrat who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. Throughout his tenure, Thompson has been a prominent figure in advocating for civil rights, economic development, and homeland security. Below is an overview of his recent election victory, career path, legislative initiatives, policy stances, district demographics, and notable statements.
2024 Election Victory
In the November 5, 2024, general election, Congressman Bennie Thompson was re-elected to represent Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. He secured approximately 61.7% of the vote, totaling 154,233 votes, while his Republican challenger, Ron Eller, received 38.3% with 95,706 votes. The Associated Press called the race shortly after 10 p.m. on election night. Thompson’s victory underscores his enduring support within the district, which encompasses much of the Mississippi Delta and includes cities such as Jackson, Greenville, and Vicksburg.
Career Path to Congress
Bennie Thompson’s political career began at the local level:
1969-1973: Served as an alderman in Bolton, Mississippi.
1973-1979: Elected as Mayor of Bolton, focusing on community development and local governance.
1980-1993: Held a position on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, where he worked on county-wide initiatives and infrastructure projects.
In 1993, following the resignation of Congressman Mike Espy, Thompson won a special election to represent Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has been re-elected consistently since then, making him the longest-serving African American elected official in Mississippi.
Sponsored Bills
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Thompson has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation, reflecting his commitment to various issues:
Homeland Security: As a former chairman and current ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Thompson has been instrumental in shaping policies to enhance national security. He introduced legislation to implement recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and has been active in oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.
Pandemic Preparedness: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to establish a commission aimed at developing a national strategy for future pandemics. The proposed commission would provide recommendations to address public health and the economic and social impacts of pandemics.
Civil Rights: Thompson has consistently supported legislation aimed at protecting and expanding civil rights, including bills to strengthen voting rights and address systemic inequalities.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Congressman Thompson’s voting record reflects his positions on key social issues:
Abortion: Thompson has been a proponent of reproductive rights. He voted against the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” in January 2025, aligning with his stance to protect women’s health choices.
Voting Rights: In March 2021, Thompson was the only House Democrat to vote against the “For the People Act,” a comprehensive voting rights and campaign finance reform bill. He explained that his constituents opposed certain provisions related to redistricting and public financing, and he prioritized their concerns in his decision.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
On economic matters, Thompson has taken positions aimed at supporting his constituents:
Infrastructure and Jobs: He has advocated for federal investment in infrastructure projects within his district to promote job creation and economic development.
Agriculture: Representing a region heavily involved in agriculture, Thompson has supported policies that benefit small farmers and promote sustainable farming practices.
Healthcare: Thompson has been a strong supporter of expanding access to healthcare, including backing the Affordable Care Act and efforts to protect Medicaid funding.
Demographics of the 2nd Congressional District
Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District is characterized by its diverse population:
Population: Approximately 700,000 residents.
Racial Composition: Predominantly African American, with a significant Black population alongside White, Hispanic, and other minority groups.
Economy: The district faces economic challenges, including higher-than-average poverty rates and unemployment. Agriculture plays a central role in the local economy, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries.
Controversial Statements
Over his extensive career, Thompson has occasionally made statements that have sparked controversy:
January 6, 2005: Thompson voted against certifying the electoral victory of President George W. Bush, objecting to the election results in Ohio. He later explained that his vote was based on concerns at that time but emphasized that he did not challenge the democratic process beyond casting his vote.
Despite occasional controversies, Congressman Thompson remains a steadfast representative of Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, focusing on issues pertinent to his constituents and maintaining a significant role in national policy discussions