Qualifying for Mississippi’s four Congressional seats could have brought some excitement heading into the respective party primaries in March, especially on the Republican side. Instead, it ended with a whimper.
Most notably, Steven Palazzo has no qualified Republican primary challengers, according to the MSGOP. Biloxi city councilman Robert Deming had announced a run in December, and it was rumored state senators Chris McDaniel and Michael Watson were considering a bid, but none of the three qualified.
Congressmen Trent Kelly and Gregg Harper both have one primary challenger, while Bennie Thompson has none. Republicans do have a challenger qualified against Thompson, although it is likely for naught.
Notably, Mississippi Democrats fielded candidates in all four districts as well, which in itself is a feat given the state of the Democratic Party in the Magnolia State.
Here’s the list:
CD1:
Trent Kelly (R) incumbent
Paul Clever (R)
Jacob Owens (D)
CD2:
John Bouie II (R)
Bennie Thompson (D) incumbent
CD3:
Gregg Harper (R) incumbent
Jimmy Giles (R)
Dennis Quinn (D)
Nathan Stewart (D)
CD4:
Steven Palazzo (R) incumbent
Mark Gladney (D)
All incumbents should be considered the odds on favorite in both the March primaries and the November general election.
1/8/16
Magnolia Tribune
