Bennie Gordon Thompson is an American politician and educator serving as the U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 2nd congressional district since 1993. A Democrat, he has been a prominent figure in Mississippi politics for over four decades, beginning his public service as an Alderman in Bolton from 1969 to 1972 and later as Mayor from 1973 to 1980, where he focused on improving infrastructure and housing. From 1980 to 1993, Thompson served as a Hinds County Supervisor before ascending to Congress. He chaired the House Committee on Homeland Security from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023, becoming the first Democrat and first African American to hold that position, and currently serves as its Ranking Member. His work on the committee focuses on national security, cybersecurity, domestic security, counterterrorism policies, and disaster response. He has been involved in high-profile investigations, including hearings related to the January 6th Capitol attack.

Since 2011, he has been the only Democrat in Mississippi's congressional delegation and, since 2018, its dean following Thad Cochran's retirement. Born and raised in the segregated South, Thompson grew up in Bolton, Mississippi, attending local public schools and graduating from Hinds County Agricultural High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Tougaloo College in 1968 and later pursued studies in educational administration at the University of Southern Mississippi. Early in his career, he worked briefly as a public school teacher in Madison, Mississippi. A Methodist, Thompson has advocated for civil rights and equity, drawing from his experiences in the Jim Crow era. He is known for his work on issues affecting rural and underserved communities in his district, which includes the capital city of Jackson and parts of the Mississippi Delta.

Thompson's influence extends through his committee leadership and legislative efforts on homeland security, racial justice, and other priorities. He has testified in various capacities and hosted witnesses like Heidi Beirich in committee hearings. As a veteran of Mississippi politics, Thompson continues to represent Democratic values in a predominantly Republican state delegation.