JACKSON, Miss. — Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, is seeking to extend his lengthy tenure on Capitol Hill as he competes against Democrat Ty Pinkins, a candidate who has struggled to garner substantial financial backing from his party in this predominantly Republican state.
Wicker, now at the age of 73, began his political journey in 1994 when he was first elected to the U.S. House representing a northern Mississippi district. He was later appointed to the Senate in 2007 by then-Governor Haley Barbour after the resignation of Republican Trent Lott.
Prior to his career in Washington, Wicker practiced law and was a member of the Mississippi state Senate. He currently holds a prominent position as the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, advocating for an increase in military shipbuilding. His candidacy has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
His opponent, Ty Pinkins, aged 50, is also an attorney and previously ran for the role of Mississippi secretary of state in 2023. Pinkins has indicated his commitment to addressing issues related to poverty and enhancing healthcare accessibility.
Wicker and Pinkins have taken contrasting stances on abortion rights, with Wicker expressing his approval of the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse its 1973 ruling that legalized abortion at the national level. Conversely, Pinkins has been critical of the court’s 2022 ruling on the matter.
“Even as the Biden administration advocates for a pro-abortion agenda, pro-life supporters remain dedicated to influencing our laws and systems to promote a culture of life,” Wicker commented.
On the other hand, Pinkins articulated that since he cannot become pregnant, he feels unqualified to dictate what a woman should do regarding her body. “That decision is between her, her God, and her doctor,” he explained. “Should she choose, I respect her right to involve me or any man in that decision-making process. Regardless of whether a woman identifies as pro-life or pro-choice, I support her right to make that choice.”
Historically, Mississippi has not had a Democratic U.S. Senator since John C. Stennis, whose final term concluded in January 1989. Currently, Republicans dominate all statewide offices, hold three out of four U.S. House seats, and maintain a majority in the state legislature.