Republican · Mississippi's 4th District · 2026
Mike Ezell
Ezell grew up in Pascagoula, the son of a policeman and a church secretary.
Biography
Mike Ezell enjoys hunting and fishing in South Mississippi and lives in Pascagoula with his wife, Suzette.1 They have a daughter and a granddaughter and belong to First Baptist Church of Pascagoula.1 Before Congress, his working life was centered on law enforcement along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.1
Ezell graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy and the FBI National Academy.1 His policing career spanned more than 40 years and included serving as Jackson County sheriff.1 He is now serving his second term representing Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District.1 His committee assignments also cover economic development, public buildings and emergency management.1
He chairs the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and serves as vice chair of Natural Resources' Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee.1 In October 2026, he introduced legislation to change Marine Mammal Protection Act permitting rules.2 The proposal would narrow the definition of harassment, ease limits on permits for activities that incidentally affect marine mammals, and change mitigation and monitoring standards.2
Ezell says his priorities include military personnel and veterans, constitutional rights, tax cuts and reduced federal regulation.1 He describes his maritime proposals as a way to support ports, shipyards and coastal projects.2 He faces Democrat Jeffrey Hulum III and independent Carl Boyanton.3
Record and controversies
Campaign finance complaint from an opponent
Independent opponent Carl Boyanton filed an FEC complaint alleging that direct donations and money routed through a joint fundraising committee exceeded contribution limits.4 Ezell's campaign denied wrongdoing and asked the FEC to dismiss the complaint.4 Its attorney said Boyanton had double counted money when it was received by the joint committee and later transferred to the campaign.4 The October 1 report described competing allegations and responses, rather than an FEC ruling.4
2024 confrontation with antiwar activists
AP reported that a May 2024 video showed Ezell knocking a cellphone from an activist's hand while she questioned him about the Israel and Hamas war.5 The activist said she filed an assault complaint, and Capitol Police told AP they were looking into the incident.5 Ezell said he would not be harassed or intimidated and would continue supporting Israel.5