Ron Eller, a military veteran and physician assistant, won the Republican primary runoff in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District and will face longtime Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5. Eller defeated Andrew Scott Smith, who has a background in farming and commercial real estate, in the runoff. Thompson has held the seat in the majority-Black district since 1993 and was the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee. President Joe Biden won the district by a significant margin in the 2020 election.
Thompson, who was unopposed for his party’s nomination in the district this year, has focused on issues such as decreasing prescription drug costs, investing in historically Black colleges and universities, reducing student loan debt, and ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes. On the other hand, Eller, who previously ran for the Republican nomination in the district in 2022, supports the construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall and the expansion of domestic energy production. After his victory in the runoff, Eller emphasized the importance of working together as a nation despite political differences and focusing on creating better communities for all Americans.
The 2nd Congressional District in Mississippi includes areas along the Mississippi River, the flatlands of the Delta, and the capital city of Jackson. Despite its diverse geography, the district has consistently supported Democratic candidates in recent elections. In the 2020 presidential election, the district favored Joe Biden over Donald Trump by a wide margin of 63% to 36%. This indicates a strong Democratic presence and support for progressive policies in the region.
Eller’s victory in the Republican primary runoff sets the stage for a competitive general election against Thompson, who has a long history of representing the district and advocating for its residents. While Thompson has a clear platform that focuses on economic and social issues that directly impact his constituents, Eller’s priorities align more with conservative values related to border security and energy independence. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the direction of the district and which candidate can best address the needs of its residents.
As the candidates prepare for the general election, they will likely continue to highlight their respective policies and priorities to attract voters in the district. While Thompson has a strong track record and established base of support within the Democratic party, Eller’s victory in the primary runoff reflects a growing conservative presence in the district. The outcome of the election will not only impact the representation of the district in Congress but also influence the broader political landscape in Mississippi as a whole.
Overall, the upcoming general election in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District promises to be a closely-watched and competitive race between Ron Eller and Bennie Thompson. With contrasting policy positions and approaches to governance, the candidates will present voters with distinct choices that reflect the diverse needs and values of the district. As the campaign unfolds and election day approaches, both candidates will continue to engage with voters and work towards earning their support for the critical decision ahead.
