In Mississippi’s 2nd congressional district, a 33-year-old antitrust lawyer named Evan Turnage has entered the primary race against long-time incumbent U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson. Turnage’s entrance signals a fresh wave of young Democrats seeking to challenge the party’s established leaders and to reshape the party’s direction following the 2024 election. The district, a Democratic stronghold that stretches along the Mississippi River and includes the state capital of Jackson, has been represented by Thompson for more than 30 years. Turnage’s candidacy is therefore a high-profile contest that could reshape the political landscape of the region.
Turnage is a Yale-educated attorney who has served as chief counsel to then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and as senior counsel to Senator Elizabeth Warren. These high-profile roles give him deep experience in federal policy and a network of influential Democratic leaders. His background in antitrust law positions him as a candidate with expertise in technology regulation and corporate oversight. Turnage’s professional history reflects a blend of legal acumen and political strategy that he hopes will translate into effective representation for the district.
During a recent interview, Turnage said, “The same old playbook from the ’90s isn’t going to work anymore.” He continued, “We are dealing with Big Tech firms and social media and AI, and we need members of Congress who know how to navigate that terrain.” He emphasized that if elected, his focus would be on creating economic opportunity and political reform. These priorities align with a broader national conversation about technology’s impact on society and the need for updated policy frameworks.
Turnage’s challenge is part of a growing trend of young Democrats who aim to replace older incumbents and to rebrand the party after the 2024 election cycle. By positioning himself as a forward-thinking candidate, Turnage hopes to attract voters who are concerned about contemporary issues such as AI, social media influence, and economic inequality. These priorities reflect a generational shift that many observers see as essential for the party’s continued relevance in a rapidly changing political environment.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, a civil-rights leader, has represented the 2nd district for more than three decades. He chaired the House Jan. 6 committee and serves as a ranking member on the House Committee on Homeland Security. Thompson’s long tenure and committee leadership demonstrate his experience in legislative oversight and national security matters. His career has been characterized by a focus on civil-rights issues and a commitment to the district’s interests.
In response to the current challenge, Thompson said, “Elections were created to give people the ability to make a choice.” He added, “I trust the voters of the district.” These remarks underscore his confidence in the democratic process and his belief that the electorate will recognize his record of service. Thompson’s statements suggest that he views the primary as a legitimate test of voter preferences rather than a political confrontation.
The last meaningful primary challenge to Thompson occurred in 2012 when former Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer Toney contested the seat. That challenge was the most recent instance in which Thompson faced significant opposition within his own party. The 2012 contest highlighted the potential for intra-party competition, although Thompson ultimately retained his seat.
Other challengers in the race include Republican Ron Eller, who lost to Thompson in 2024. Eller’s participation illustrates that the district, while a Democratic stronghold, remains open to cross-party competition. The presence of multiple candidates from both parties reflects the district’s political dynamism and the broader national trend of competitive primaries.
The district is a Democratic stronghold in a state led mainly by Republicans. It stretches along the Mississippi River and covers the western side of the state, including the capital city of Jackson. This geographic spread provides a mix of urban and rural communities, giving the district a diverse demographic profile that can influence voter priorities and candidate appeal.
Voters will choose the party’s Democratic nominee in a primary on March 10, 2026. Key takeaways: Turnage brings a fresh perspective on technology and AI policy; Thompson’s long tenure and committee leadership underscore his experience; the primary will determine whether the district continues its current representation or embraces new leadership. The outcome will shape the political direction of Mississippi’s 2nd district for years to come.
The Stakes of the Primary
The March 10 primary will serve as a decisive moment for voters in Mississippi’s 2nd district. By choosing between a seasoned incumbent and a younger challenger, the electorate will signal its preference for either continuity or change. The outcome will also affect the district’s stance on key issues such as technology regulation, economic opportunity, and civil-rights advocacy, all of which are central to the candidates’ platforms.
The race illustrates a broader national pattern in which younger candidates challenge long-term incumbents. Turnage’s focus on Big Tech, social media, and AI aligns with contemporary concerns, while Thompson’s experience in committee leadership reflects a commitment to established policy frameworks. The primary will therefore test voters’ appetite for new ideas against the value of institutional knowledge, shaping the district’s political trajectory for the next decade.
Voters should note that the 2nd district’s demographic mix includes both urban and rural communities, giving the election a unique character. Turnage’s emphasis on technology and AI policy may resonate with younger voters, while Thompson’s long record on civil-rights issues may appeal to long-time constituents. Understanding how each candidate’s priorities align with local concerns will be key for those casting ballots on March 10.
The primary will also determine which candidate will represent the district in the upcoming general election, where the Democratic nominee will face Republican opposition. The 2nd district’s status as a Democratic stronghold in a predominantly Republican state makes the primary outcome particularly significant for the party’s strategy. A victory for Turnage could signal a shift toward newer leadership, while a win for Thompson would reinforce continuity in representation.
Ultimately, the March 10 primary will decide whether Mississippi’s 2nd district continues its established leadership or embraces a new direction, reflecting the evolving priorities of its voters.
