Who's In the Race

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) faces Republican Ron Eller and independent Bennie Foster in Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Oct. 5 voter-registration deadline has passed. ​

Thompson has represented the district since 1993 and previously served as Bolton alderman and mayor and as Hinds County supervisor. He formerly chaired the House Homeland Security Committee and the Jan. 6 select committee. Thompson won the March 10 Democratic primary with approximately 86% of the vote, defeating Evan Turnage and Pertis Williams.

Eller, an Army veteran and physician assistant, defeated Kevin Wilson with approximately 51% in the Republican primary. Foster, a Jackson native, has worked in education and mentorship for more than 38 years.

What They Stand For

Thompson supports codifying Roe v. Wade's abortion protections, strengthening disaster preparedness and creating jobs, according to the Mississippi Free Press. He opposes cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, arguing that proposed reductions would harm children and seniors.

Eller advocates an "America first" agenda, including what he calls fair taxation and an energy strategy that incorporates fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables, according to his campaign website. He supports restricting government funding for abortion providers and allowing abortion only to save a pregnant woman's life. He also supports a border wall, voter photo identification, paper voting records and prison reform, while opposing same-day voter registration.

Foster supports protecting access to IVF and contraception. He supports abortion exceptions for ectopic pregnancies and serious threats to a pregnant woman's life or health, according to his Mississippi Free Press questionnaire.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Thompson reported approximately $771,000 in receipts and $1.45 million in cash on hand through June 30. Eller reported approximately $45,390 in receipts, $35,874 in cash, and $2,500 in debt. Outside spending reportedly totaled approximately $980 as of Oct. 8, supporting Thompson through Save Our State Inc. and Sierra Club Independent Action.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections rated the race Solid Democratic as of Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, respectively. On Kalshi, Democratic contracts reflected a 95.71% implied probability as of Oct. 8.

Thompson won approximately 60% in 2022 and 62% in 2024. Republicans won three of Mississippi's four House seats in both elections. Donald Trump carried Mississippi with approximately 61% in 2024.

Eligible voters may cast absentee ballots in person through Oct. 31, when circuit clerk offices are open from 8 a.m. to noon. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3. Election Day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article