Scandal-plagued Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-MS) has been forced into a runoff election amid a campaign finance investigation.
GROUP OF HOUSE DEMOCRATS BOYCOTT BIPARTISAN MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR UVALDE VICTIMS
Palazzo faced a crowded field of primary challengers in the 4th Congressional District after facing allegations he misused campaign funds.
A 2021 Office of Congressional Ethics report said there was “substantial reason to believe” Palazzo “converted funds to personal use.” Palazzo claimed the allegations were politically motivated.
Mississippi requires a candidate to win a majority rather than a plurality in order to be the outright winner of a primary; without a majority, the top two vote-getters head to a runoff election. A crowded field of candidates may have otherwise split an anti-incumbent vote in Palazzo’s favor.
Palazzo will go on to face state Sen. Brice Wiggins or Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell in the runoff election. The state has scheduled its runoff for June 28.
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Palazzo’s rivals hit the longtime lawmaker not just for the ethics investigation, but for skipping candidate forums in the 4th District, which covers the southeastern region of the state between Louisiana and Alabama.
