A long-serving Democratic congressman from Mississippi is pushing back against criticism that it may be time for new leadership as he faces a younger challenger in the upcoming primary.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, a 78-year-old Democrat who has represented Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District for more than three decades, responded this week to attacks from primary opponent Evan Turnage, a 33-year-old candidate who has made Thompson’s lengthy tenure a central issue in the race.
In a campaign advertisement, Turnage argued that the district’s continued economic struggles demonstrate the need for a change in leadership.
“We live in the poorest district in the poorest state in the country,” Turnage said in the ad. “That was true when I was one when our congressman was first elected. It’s true today.”
Turnage went on to argue that if Thompson’s 33 years in office had significantly improved economic conditions in the district, voters would not be looking for alternatives.
“If our congressman’s 33 years in office had helped build up this district, built health and wealth in this district, there would be no need for change,” he said.
Thompson addressed the criticism in a statement, emphasizing his record and leaving the final judgment to voters.
“Elections are about giving people a choice, and I respect that process,” Thompson said. “I have always run my campaigns by focusing on the needs of the people of Mississippi’s Second Congressional District and the work we’ve done together.”
He added that he remains committed to continuing the work he has done for the district during his time in office.
“There is always more to be done,” Thompson said. “Ultimately, I trust the voters of the district to look at the record and make the choice they believe is best for their communities.”
The debate over Thompson’s tenure comes as the Democratic Party more broadly confronts questions about age and leadership within its ranks. Several prominent senior Democrats have recently announced plans to step aside ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Among those planning to leave office are former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and longtime Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer, who served as the Democratic whip. Other veteran lawmakers stepping down include Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. The average age among those departing lawmakers is roughly 81.
Capitol Hill has seen an unusually high number of retirements during the current 119th Congress, marking the largest wave of departures since 2018.
