Longtime U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson is facing a significant challenge in his bid for re-election in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat he has held for over 30 years. The 77-year-old congressman is set to face off against Evan Turnage, a political newcomer and former legal counsel on Capitol Hill.
Turnage currently heads the Southern Justice Project at the Open Markets Institute, an organization working to empower Southern communities against corporate power. “When I was born in ’92, this was the poorest district in the poorest state in America. Congressman Thompson was elected in ’93. But those conditions remain,” Turnage shared with theGrio, emphasizing that the district still holds onto its notorious reputation for economic struggles.
The Yale Law School graduate and Morehouse College valedictorian has spent years in political circles, often on the opposite side of the Capitol from Thompson, who has made significant strides as the first Black chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security and the lead of the historic January 6 Select Committee that investigated then-President Donald Trump‘s efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results.
Taking on a Giant on Capitol Hill
Given Thompson’s influential role in Congress, Turnage acknowledges the gravity of his decision to challenge him. “I definitely didn’t make the decision lightly,” he remarked. Although Thompson has established a strong name recognition, Turnage is quick to note that this recognition doesn’t translate to universal affection among constituents.
“The truth is, for the majority of election cycles, there hasn’t been an alternative to Mr. Thompson,” Turnage explained, revealing his own history of voting solely for Thompson. “I understand that he has seniority, but seniority for the sake of seniority is not enough anymore. It’s not enough to just be against Donald Trump. It’s not enough to be a Democrat,” he asserted, adding that the time has come for someone who actively fights for the community.
Turnage, who has experience in antitrust law and served as senior counsel under prominent political figures such as U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, articulates a desire for a more proactive approach to addressing poverty and economic opportunity. “What I’ve learned is that nothing gets better if you don’t have a plan. It’s regrettable that our congressman hasn’t been a champion for eradicating poverty here in the district,” he stated.
He recounted conversations with community members, especially mothers, expressing concern about their children leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. “We need to do more to incentivize our young to come home and stay home,” Turnage implored, emphasizing the need for Mississippi to compete with states like Texas and Georgia.
Critics of Thompson’s record point to the millions he has received from corporations that may exploit the local community. In contrast, Thompson responded to challenges by stating, “Elections were created to give people the ability to make a choice. I am confident that my record on behalf of the people of Mississippi’s Second Congressional District will speak for itself.”
A Politics Shaped by the Black Lives Matter Era
Turnage’s political motivations are deeply intertwined with the significant civil rights movements of the last decade. Reflecting on moments like the killing of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, he recalls how these events galvanized him and his peers during their formative years. “Civil Rights were eroding, clearly in the United States,” he noted, and it was a wake-up call that engaged him in politics.
He became particularly interested in the overlap of civil and economic rights for Black Americans. “The anger I felt when Eric Garner was killed for selling loose cigarettes was not only about police violence; it was also about the economic conditions that forced him into that situation,” Turnage remarked. His dedication to addressing both civil and economic rights reflects his commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.
Turnage believes that lawmakers must confront the concentration of power in America and work toward redistributing that power equitably. He argues that this issue traces back at least to the Reagan era and expresses hope that the Biden administration is reversing some of these trends.
The Future of the Democratic Party
As a member of a younger generation of Democrats, Turnage recognizes that his challenge to Thompson is part of a larger trend of younger political figures stepping up to replace seasoned incumbents, particularly those over the age of 70. He voiced agreement with Vice President Kamala Harris’s statement advocating for new leadership in the party, reminding supporters that age should not be the sole determiner of leadership quality.
“We need to feel that our elected representation is fighting for us,” Turnage stated, pointing to the visible activism of newer leaders like Jasmine Crockett, who embody a spirit of vitality and commitment to their communities. He hopes that revitalized energy within the party will energize constituents and foster greater engagement in the political process.
Looking ahead to potential shifts in the U.S. House of Representatives, Turnage emphasizes the urgency of addressing systemic issues while also setting clear, actionable agendas for the Democratic Party. “We need to ban corporate money in politics,” he insists, proposing sweeping reforms to campaign finance laws aimed at restoring trust in elected officials.
In highlighting the need for anti-poverty measures and tax cuts for working families, Turnage lays out a vision that seeks to genuinely transform economic policies. “We need to hold corporations accountable for their actions,” he urged, calling for a stronger response to rampant financial crimes and their effects on average Americans.