Mississippi Press: ‘I’ve got a serving heart’: Mike Ezell announces bid for Congress
April 7, 2021
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- After four decades in local law enforcement, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell is turning his attention to Washington, D.C.
Saying he “feels a calling,” Ezell has announce his intention to run for the U.S. Congressional seat currently held by fellow Republican Steven Palazzo.
“To be quite honest, I’ve got a serving heart,” Ezell told The Mississippi Press Tuesday, his 62nd birthday. “I feel called to serve and this is something I believe is good for me, my family and our country. I feel a calling. I feel led to do this.”
Ezell is in his second full term as the county sheriff. He was first elected to the post in 2014, defeating four other candidates in a special election to fill the remaining term of former sheriff Mike Byrd, who resigned amid multiple charges in a federal indictment.
A year later, Ezell won his first full term, handily defeating challenger Bob Cochran. Ezell was unopposed in 2019. With Congressional elections in 2022 and Ezell’s current term as sheriff running until 2023, a special election would be necessary were Ezell elected to Congress.
Ezell has spent virtually his entire adult life in local law enforcement, serving as a police captain for Pascagoula, the Chief of Police in Ocean Springs, Chief of Law Enforcement for the (then) Pascagoula School District and Captain of the Singing River Health System police force.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He was assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force for three years and was twice formally commended for his investigative work by FBI Directors Louis Free and Robert Mueller.
Ezell scheduled four separate press conferences for Wednesday in Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District, the first of which was set for 10 a.m. at the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula.
He said Tuesday his family is fully behind his run for Congress.
“My family is fully supportive,” he said. “I just ask that people keep me in their prayers and consider me. I’ve been in public service for 40 years and I plan on taking my knowledge and experience with me, if the voters see fit to elect me.”
Ezell also said he had met with many of his colleagues in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to discuss his decision.
“I’ve gotten a lot of confidence from my people,” he said. “I cherish each one of them dearly. We’ll just see how it goes.”
Palazzo has served the 4th District since 2011 after ousting longtime congressman Gene Taylor. He is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee after the Office of Congressional Ethics found a “concerning pattern” of potentially misusing campaign funds, including spending more than $80,000 on a $1.2 million waterfront house that he was trying to sell.
Another Republican, Carl Boyanton, had previously announced his intention to run in the 4th District.
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[Pascagoula, MS] - Congressman Mike Ezell, representing the great state of Mississippi, expresses deep concern over the recent decision by the Colorado State Supreme Court to remove President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot. This decision, in Congressman Ezell's view, raises questions about the principles of democracy and the right of citizens to choose their representatives. In a statement released today, Congressman Ezell shared his thoughts on this matter, stating, "Colorado has taken President Trump off the ballot, and this is where democracy falls. It's time that we stand up and fight back. We can show that Mississippi has his back. We stand with Donald Trump over the woke left in Colorado." The decision to exclude a former president with a significant following from the electoral process raises concerns about the fairness and integrity of our democratic system. Congressman Ezell believes that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should have the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. "The cornerstone of our democracy is the ability of citizens to freely express their political will through the electoral process. The decision in Colorado challenges this fundamental principle," said Congressman Ezell. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Info@MikeEzell.MS
Tate Reeves — the Mississippi governor endorsed Trump in October. Cindy Hyde-Smith — the freshman Mississippi senator announced her support for Trump in April, saying he was "attentive to the needs" of her state as president. Roger Wicker — the Mississippi senator was announced as a member of Trump's Mississippi leadership team in December 2023. Mike Ezell — the Mississippi congressman was announced as a member of Trump's Mississippi leadership team in December 2023. Michael Guest — the Mississippi congressman and chairman of the House Ethics Committee was announced as a member of Trump's Mississippi leadership team in December 2023. Trent Kelly — the Mississippi congressman was announced as a member of Trump's Mississippi leadership team in December 2023.
Congressman Mike Ezell announced he is running for re-election in 2024. First elected in 2022, Ezell pulled in a whopping 73 percent of the votes. He then traded in his sheriff’s badge and uniform for a suit and tie with an American flag pin. He is serving on the Homeland Security Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. If re-elected, Ezell hopes to work with other congress members like Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl and Georgia Congressman Drew Ferguson, who both endorsed him. Ezell is excited for the opportunity to continue serving his constituents if he wins re-election. “It’s a wonderful thing to be a member of Congress. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to work for the people and to serve the people. And I will continue to do that as long as I’m in Congress, and I’ve always done that as a law enforcement officer and a sheriff. And I’ll continue to do that. We’re all about service. The only campaign promise I made when I was sheriff, and I hold this true, if you call, we’re coming and we’re going to help.” Congressman Jerry Carl said, “We share a lot of the same common influences, same businesses, so it’s important that I get somebody like Mike that I can work with. It’s important to the people in my district.” This election is just over a year away on November 5th, 2024. https://www.wxxv25.com/congressman-mike-ezell-announces-run-for- re-election/
