The Mississippi Free Press sent the following questionnaire to U.S. House District 2 candidate Bennie Thompson, who is running as a Democrat in the March 10, 2026, Democratic primary election
We present his responses unedited. Candidate responses do not reflect the views of the Mississippi Free Press or its staff.
Tell us about yourself, your background and past political or professional experience.
After working as a schoolteacher, I entered public service at age 21 to stand up for underserved communities. In 1993, I was elected to Congress and have since served Mississippi’s Second District by advancing legislation to strengthen health care, education, infrastructure, disaster recovery, veterans services, broadband access, and public safety, while defending civil rights and economic opportunity for all Mississippians. I have lived in Bolton, Mississippi my entire life. I have been a member of Asbury United Methodist Church since I was five years old and am a graduate of the Bolton Colored School. My desire to make a difference was shaped right there in Bolton by my Sunday school teacher, my band director, and my baseball coach. They poured into me and helped guide my path. Because of them, I have always felt a responsibility to give back and make our state better and advocate for policies that solve many of the state’s vulnerabilities.
What does Mississippi need most from Congress? What are our most pressing issues for Congress to solve?
Mississippi needs Congress to put people over politics. We need federal support to address the pressing needs of protecting access to affordable health care, strengthening our public schools, and creating good-paying jobs that allow families to stay and succeed right here at home. In many rural areas, the infrastructure is unsafe to travel, and we lack access to high-speed internet. Rural hospitals are closing, veterans need better support, and families are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Congress must keep investing in rural infrastructure, protect Social Security and Medicare, and defend civil rights so every Mississippian has the same fair chance as anyone else in this country.
What are your views on immigration and ICE, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration enforcement actions and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti?
No agency is above the law. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti demand full transparency and accountability. When U.S. citizens are killed during federal operations, Congress must conduct oversight and the facts must come out. Masked agents, conflicting statements, and delayed footage only decrease public trust. Public safety requires lawful enforcement, respect for civil rights, and consequences when people are taking advantage of having authority.
What are your views on abortion, IVF, birth control and reproductive care?
I believe women have the right to make their own decisions about their bodies and their health. Decisions about abortion, IVF, birth control, and reproductive care should be made by women, their families, and their doctors. Not politicians in Washington. I have a 100 percent voting record supporting women’s rights, reproductive health care, and the freedom to decide if and when to start a family. I will continue to stand up against any effort to take those rights away.
What are your views on transgender issues and bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care, bathroom use, sports participation and military service?
Every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue the life they want to build. Decisions involving health care, education, service, and participation in activities should be guided by the well-being of the individual, the law, and thoughtful input from families and professionals. Any funding discrimination is illegal. Any attempt to restrict participation towards any group should be prohibited.
What are your policy views on improving health-care access?
I am the only member of Mississippi’s congressional delegation who supports Medicaid expansion because it would cover working families and help keep hospitals open. Health care access is one of our most urgent challenges. Rural hospitals are closing. Prescription drug prices are too high. Too many mothers, especially Black mothers, are facing preventable risks. That should concern every one of us.
What are your views on artificial intelligence and AI regulation?
AI is advancing more rapidly than Congress or state governments can put in place the right frameworks to harness the benefits of innovation and protect the public from the risks. Given the Administration’s cozy relationships with major AI companies, I doubt its ability to strike the right balance between innovation and protecting the public interest. Nevertheless, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to advance policies that preserve America’s global dominance in emerging technology while protecting the public from the scourge of deepfakes, ensuring AI can’t be used for nefarious purposes, and ensuring the workforce is able to adapt to increased automation.
What are your views on climate change and the role the government should play?
I believe climate change is real, and we see its impact. The federal government has a responsibility to help communities prepare, respond, and recover. That means investing in disaster prevention, strengthening levees and infrastructure, supporting farmers, protecting our water and land, and making investments into clean energy that create jobs. I support practical solutions that protect Mississippi families, our natural resources, and our future.
What are your views on foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel?
I believe any decision involving military action or foreign assistance must be handled with seriousness, strategy, and constitutional oversight. Congress has a responsibility to authorize the use of force and to ensure transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent. I support aid that helps defend democracy, but it must be paired with strong oversight and a clear objective.
What are your views on President Trump’s military actions in Venezuela?
I believe the President does not have the authority to carry out military strikes without approval from Congress. If the United States is going to use military force, there must be clear authorization and objectives, and full accountability to the American people. There has been no clear explanation of the legal authority, no defined mission, and no plan for how this ends. Protecting our country is important, but we cannot allow unilateral military actions that risk pulling us into another endless conflict.
Are there any other domestic or foreign policy views you’d like to highlight?
The Rural Health Transformation Program does not replace the need for full Medicaid expansion. If we are serious about keeping rural hospitals open, protecting maternal health, and making sure families can see a doctor close to home, we must pursue long-term stability. Medicaid expansion would bring billions of our federal tax dollars back to Mississippi every year and provide lasting support for working families and rural providers. To this end, I will continue fighting for Mississippi to accept the $1.2 billion in federal funds available annually through Medicaid expansion.