JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A 33-year-old antitrust lawyer with ties to major Democratic politicians is challenging U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson to represent Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District.
Evan Turnage is the latest in a trend of young Democrats seeking to oust the party’s old guard and reshape the party after the 2024 election.
“The old formula of the ’90s isn’t working anymore,” Turnage said. “We’re dealing with big tech, social media and artificial intelligence, and we need members of Congress who know how to navigate this space.”
The Yale-educated attorney served as chief counsel to then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and senior counsel to Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Turnage said that if elected, he would focus on creating economic opportunity and political reform.
Thompson is a civil rights leader who has represented the district for more than 30 years. He served as chairman of the House January 6th Committee and is the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.
The last time Thompson faced a meaningful primary challenge was in 2012 against former Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer Toney.
Thompson said in a statement that he believes his record will speak for itself.
“The purpose of elections is to give people the ability to make choices,” Thompson said. “I trust the voters of this district.”
The district is a Democratic stronghold in a state dominated by Republicans. It stretches along the Mississippi River, covering the western side of the state and its capital, Jackson.
Thompson faces several other challengers, including Republican Ron Eller, who lost to Thompson in 2024.
Voters will choose the party’s Democratic candidate in the March 10, 2026 primary election.
