State Democrats announce qualified candidates for 2026 federal primary elections

JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Democratic Party officially announced its roster of candidates Monday for the 2026 federal primary elections, marking the start of a high-stakes campaign cycle for the state’s junior U.S. Senate seat and all four congressional districts.

The announcement follows the Dec. 26 qualifying deadline, setting the stage for the March 10, 2026, primary. The slate features a mix of veteran incumbents and new challengers aiming to reshape Mississippi’s representation in Washington.

“These candidates represent a broad cross-section of Mississippi — leaders, advocates, and public servants who are stepping forward to fight for working families, strong public schools, accessible health care, and a government that works for everyone,” said Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor. “We are proud to support a competitive and transparent primary process and to present voters with a strong slate of qualified Democratic candidates.”

U.S. Senate Race

Headlining the list is a three-way primary for the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. The Democratic field includes Scott Colom, the District Attorney for the 16th Circuit Court District, who has pledged a “Mississippi-first” platform. He is joined by educator Priscilla W. Till, a cousin of civil rights icon Emmett Till, and Marine Corps veteran Albert R. Littell.

U.S. House of Representatives

In the 2nd Congressional District, long-serving incumbent Rep. Bennie G. Thompson faces a rare primary challenge from attorney Evan Littleton Turnage and newcomer Pertis Herman Williams III. Thompson, a national figure known for chairing the Jan. 6 Committee, is seeking an 18th term.

Other contested primaries include the 1st District, where prominent civil rights attorney Cliff Johnson will face former State Rep. Kelvin Buck. In the 4th District, three candidates—Jeffrey Hulum III, D. Ryan Grover, and Paul James Blackman—have qualified to challenge the Republican incumbency.

The full list of qualified Democratic candidates is as follows:

United States Senate

• Scott Colom
• Priscilla W. Till
• Albert R. Littell

U.S. House of Representatives – District 1

• Cliff Johnson
• Kelvin Buck

U.S. House of Representatives – District 2

• Bennie G. Thompson
• Evan Littleton Turnage
• Pertis Herman Williams III

U.S. House of Representatives – District 3

• Michael A. Chiaradio

U.S. House of Representatives – District 4

• Jeffrey Hulum III
• D. Ryan Grover
• Paul James Blackman

Voters can find more information about the candidates and the upcoming primary at mississippidemocrats.org.

Note: State Republicans also released their list of candidates for 2026 and Ty Pinkins announced he qualified to run for U.S. Senate as an independent.