Mississippi Republicans announce qualifying candidates for 2026 elections

JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Republican Party Friday officially announced the list of candidates who met the statutory deadline to qualify for the 2026 federal elections.

Pursuant to Section 23-15-299(3)(a) of the Mississippi Code, the qualifying window for party and independent candidates closed at 5 p.m. on Friday. Following the deadline, the party transmitted all required affidavits, written statements, and legal documentation to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by the 6 p.m. statutory requirement.

U.S. Senate Race

Incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith has officially filed for reelection. Hyde-Smith, who has served in the Senate since 2018, will face a primary challenge from Sarah Adlakha.

U.S. House of Representatives

The filing list includes several incumbents seeking another term in Washington, alongside new primary challengers:

• District 1: Incumbent Trent Kelly has successfully filed to qualify for reelection.
• District 2: Two Republicans have filed for the seat currently held by Democrat Bennie Thompson: Ron Eller and Kevin Wilson.
• District 3: Incumbent Michael Guest has qualified to seek another term.
• District 4: Incumbent Mike Ezell has filed for reelection and will face a primary challenge from Sawyer Walters.

The Road Ahead

The qualifying deadline marks the official start of the 2026 campaign cycle in Mississippi. Under state law, candidates seeking federal office must file with their respective political parties, while independent candidates file directly with the Secretary of State.

With the paperwork now transmitted, the focus shifts to the primary elections, where Republican voters will determine who will represent the party on the general election ballot in November 2026.