Former Morehouse Valedictorian Challenges Longtime Rep. Bennie Thompson: 'It's Time'

Evan Turnage, a 33-year-old political candidate, is challenging long-time U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. Thompson has held the seat since 1993, making it one of the most significant political battles in the state. Turnage, who previously worked as a legal counsel on Capitol Hill and currently leads the Southern Justice Project at the Open Markets Institute, is positioning himself as a new voice for the district.

Turnage highlights the persistent poverty in the district, which he says remains the poorest in the nation. He argues that while Thompson has been a prominent figure in Congress, his record does not reflect the needs of the people in the district. "It's time to fight for home," Turnage said, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to addressing economic and social issues.

Thompson, an influential figure in the Democratic Party, has served as the first Black chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security and led the January 6 Select Committee. His experience and seniority make him a formidable opponent, but Turnage believes that the district deserves a fresh perspective.

Turnage’s background includes working with prominent Democrats such as Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. He credits these experiences with shaping his understanding of the importance of having a clear plan to address systemic issues. He criticized Thompson for not being a champion for eradicating poverty and creating job opportunities in the district.

The candidate also emphasized the need to attract young people to stay in Mississippi rather than move away for education and employment. He pointed out that many residents leave the state, but there is a strong desire to bring them back. Turnage believes that having a comprehensive plan is essential to achieving this goal.

In response to Turnage’s challenge, Thompson stated that he is confident in his record and will continue to run his campaign as usual. He expressed trust in the voters of the district to make their choice.

The national movement sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests has influenced Turnage’s political views. He recalled the impact of events like the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, which shaped his understanding of the intersection between civil rights and economic rights. Turnage became an antitrust lawyer to address the systemic issues affecting Black Americans and other marginalized communities.

Turnage believes that the Democratic Party needs a new generation of leadership, but he emphasizes that it should be based on the willingness to fight for constituents rather than age. He praised figures like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders for their commitment to their communities, contrasting them with Thompson, whom he claims is not fighting for the people in the district.

If the Democrats win back the U.S. House of Representatives in the next election, Turnage advocates for a quick development of the party’s agenda, focusing on shoring up democracy and overhauling campaign finance laws. He calls for banning corporate money in politics, stopping stock trading by lawmakers, and reforming corporate lobbying to restore public trust.

Turnage also emphasizes the need for anti-poverty measures, tax cuts for working families, and holding corporations accountable for their crimes. He believes that addressing these issues is crucial for the prosperity of America.