GOP US Rep. Palazzo heads to runoff in south Mississippi

A Bolton, Miss., election manager carries a ballot for curbside voting to an elderly balloter in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District Primary, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. All four Congressional Districts incumbent congressmen are seeking their party’s nomination in this year. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

by: Associated Press

Posted: Jun 7, 2022 / 08:57 PM AST

Updated: Jun 7, 2022 / 10:18 PM AST

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Republican Rep. Steven Palazzo is heading to a runoff in south Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell and retired banker Clay Wagner were competing for the second spot on the June 28 ballot. Former Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree won the Democratic nomination in the 4th District.

Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson easily won a party primary in western Mississippi. The House Homeland Security Committee chairman defeated Jerry Kerner on Tuesday in the 2nd District.

In northern Mississippi’s 1st District, Republican Rep. Trent Kelly defeated Mark D. Strauss. Kelly was endorsed in Tuesday’s primary by former President Donald Trump.

On the Democratic side in the district, Dianne Black won the party primary. She defeated another first-time candidate, Hunter Avery.

In other Mississippi races on Tuesday, Rep. Steven Palazzo faces six challengers in the Republican primary in south Mississippi’s 4th District. Republican Rep. Michael Guest faces two in the central 3rd District.