Ezell the odds-on favorite to win re-election in Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District over Hulum, Boyanton

Ezell the odds-on favorite to win.

Key points

• Ezell has raised almost $1.1 million this cycle compared to Hulum's $58, 000 and Boyanton's $5, 000.
• Boyanton previously ran as a Republican in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
• The General Election for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District is on Tuesday, November 3.
• Ezell the odds-on favorite to win re-election in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District over Hulum, Boyanton.
• Carl Boyanton, Mike Ezell, and Jeffery Hulum (Photos from candidates' website/social media).

Ezell the odds-on favorite to win re-election in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District over Hulum, Boyanton. By: Cass Rutledge – October 29, 2026.

Notably, the Republican incumbent Congressman, a former Jackson County Sheriff, is being challenged by a Democrat State Representative and a former Republican turned Independent who has run unsuccessfully for Congress every two years since 2020.

Mississippi's 4th District Congressman Mike Ezell (R) is running for his 3rd term to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives after besting incumbent Congressman Steven Palazzo (R) in a primary runoff in 2022.

Ezell, who previously served as Sheriff of Jackson County, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump (R).

"As the former Sheriff of Jackson County, and now, Highly Respected U.S. Congressman, Mike strongly supports our incredible Law Enforcement, Military, and Veterans, and knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to Ensure LAW AND ORDER, " Trump wrote on Truth Social in October 2025. "In Congress, he is working tirelessly to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."

Trump continued that Ezell "has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"

Ezell defeated newcomer Sawyer Walters in the GOP Primary in March, pulling in 84% of the vote.

On the Democrat side, State Rep. Jeffrey Hulum III of Gulfport defeated two others in the party primary in March, winning 58% of the vote. Hulum is a veteran and founder of a nonprofit food bank who has served in the Mississippi Legislature since 2022.

Ezell and Hulum are joined on the ballot by independent candidate Carl Boyanton, a self-described "conservative" veteran and business owner. This person has run unsuccessfully for the 4th District seat every two years since 2020.

Boyanton previously ran as a Republican in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Boyanton lost to former Congressman Palazzo in a four-man GOP primary in 2020, coming in last with just over 9% of the vote. In 2022, Palazzo faced six challengers in the Republican Primary, of which Boyanton was one. Boyanton finished fifth with almost 5% of the vote. He went on to endorse Ezell in the runoff against Palazzo. It ezell won. Boyanton then ran against Ezell in 2024, coming in second in a three-man GOP primary and pulling in almost 19% of the vote.

Congressman Ezell is at present the heavy favorite to win his re-election bid. The Cook Political Report rates the race as "Solid R." In his last two General Election contests, Ezell has pulled in over 73% of the vote.

While Boyanton has $20, 000 and Hulum has $11, 000, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission, ezell additionally has the advantage in fundraising, showing $89, 000 cash on hand in his pre-election reporting. Ezell has raised almost $1.1 million this cycle compared to Hulum's $58, 000 and Boyanton's $5, 000.

Magnolia Tribune was able to discuss with Ezell his policy platform, what he hopes to accomplish in the next Congress, and what sets him apart from the other candidates. Multiple similar requests were created to the Hulum and Boyanton campaigns, but neither responded. Congressman Ezell remarked his policy platform is "delivering results for Mississippians."

"That means investing in infrastructure and public safety, improving disaster recovery, addressing flood insurance costs, and supporting research and workforce development at the University of Southern Mississippi and other higher education institutions across the district, " Ezell remarked. "I've also worked to strengthen our agricultural and transportation industries, including leading the House-passed Cormorant Relief Act to help catfish farmers protect their operations and supporting a pilot program to improve freight efficiency for American producers and businesses."

He believes "there's still more work to do" in the next Congress.

"I want to continue reforming FEMA so communities aren't waiting years for disaster assistance, ensuring flood insurance costs accurately reflect risk, and securing critical infrastructure investments, " Ezell remarked. "I'll also keep working to strengthen our Coast Guard and maritime industrial base, support farmers and the timber industry, expand research opportunities at USM and our local colleges, and advance policies that help Mississippi businesses compete and create good-paying jobs."

On what separates him from other candidates, Ezell pointed to his record of "turning Mississippi's priorities into tangible results."

"Whether it's fighting for Gulf Coast industries, helping Pine Belt catfish farmers through the House-passed Cormorant Relief Act, or supporting research and workforce development at our local colleges and universities, my focus has been on delivering for the entire Fourth District, " Ezell remarked.

According to Hulum's campaign website, if elected he intends to focus on the economy, healthcare, education, criminal justice reform, social justice, and national security.

Hulum's website notes South Mississippi deserves an economy that works for working residents, not just for corporations and the wealthy, and that every child deserves a quality education, no matter their ZIP code. As for healthcare, Hulum contends that access to healthcare "is a basic necessity especially in a state where rural hospitals are closing, costs keep rising, and current policies continue to decrease funding for Mississippi's fragile healthcare system."

On the social justice front, Hulum's website reads, "A fair and free society requires treating every person with dignity and equality. We must ensure that civil rights, voting rights, and basic freedoms are protected for all Mississippians. Every citizen of Mississippi deserves the right and access to participate in the democratic process."

As for Boyanton, the Republican turned Independent notes on his campaign website that "the American voter has been sold a false choice between two private clubs that wear different colors but cash the same checks." He states he is outraged by the rampant fraud, waste, and abuse plaguing every corner of the federal administration.

Of the national debt, Boyanton's website notes he is "deeply concerned about the federal budget and the runaway spending that threatens our nation's future, " adding that the national debt now exceeds $38.5 trillion and arguing that the trend is unsustainable.

Boyanton calls himself a pro-life advocate and notes that he is committed to securing the nation's borders and reforming the immigration system. He additionally strongly supports implementing term limit for Congress and states he is "committed to restoring excellence in American education by returning to the fundamentals that built our nation's strength."

Notably, the General Election for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District is on Tuesday, November 3. Regarding the Author(s).

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In short, ezell the odds-on favorite to win re-election in Mississippi’ s 4th Congressional District is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.