Mike Ezell
Walter Michael Ezell (/ˈiˌzɛl/ EE-ZELL; born April 6, 1959)[1] is a former American law enforcement officer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Mississippi's 4th congressional district since 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party. Early life and educationEzell was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi to S.H. "Buck", a police officer, and Betty Ezell.[2][3] He attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. [citation needed] He also graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in 1981 and FBI National Academy in 1990.[2] CareerLaw enforcement officerFollowing a stint as police chief in Ocean Springs, Ezell returned to Pascagoula, where he received an assignment to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. He later served as chief of law enforcement for the Pascagoula School District and the Singing River Health System.[4] Ezell was elected sheriff of Jackson County, Mississippi, in a 2014 special election after Mike Byrd resigned.[2][5] U.S. House of RepresentativesElections2022In 2021, Ezell announced that he would challenge Republican incumbent Steven Palazzo in Mississippi's 4th congressional district in the 2022 elections.[6] In the seven-way June 7 primary election, Palazzo received the most votes, 31.5%, and Ezell finished second with 25%.[7] Because no candidate received 50% of the vote, Palazzo and Ezell faced each other in a runoff election. All the other candidates in the race endorsed Ezell after they were eliminated.[8] Ezell won the June 28 primary runoff election[9] and defeated Democratic nominee Johnny DuPree in the November general election.[10] Committee assignmentsFor the 118th Congress:[11] ControversiesOn May 7, 2024, the Associated Press reported allegations that Congressman Mike Ezell assaulted an activist from CodePink as she asked about his support for a peace proposal for Gaza by slapping a cellular telephone from her hand as she was recording a confrontation with him.[12] Political positionsEzell voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[13][14] Personal lifeEzell is married to Suzette Ezell. They have one daughter and one granddaughter.[15] References
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