Michael Guest

In the 2024 House race for MS-3, Michael Guest (R) ran unopposed and received 265,159 votes. Running without a challenger is rare and usually indicates either a safe party stronghold or that the opposition could not field a candidate.

As the incumbent, Michael Guest benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. The 2024 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket.

In the 2022 House race for MS-3, Michael Guest (R) defeated Shuwaski A. Young (D) 70.7% to 29.3%. Michael Guest received 132,481 votes compared to 54,803 for Shuwaski A. Young, a dominant 41.5-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

As the incumbent, Michael Guest benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. As a Republican, Michael Guest benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.

In the 2020 House race for MS-3, Michael Guest (R) defeated Dorothy Benford (D) 64.7% to 35.3%. Michael Guest received 221,064 votes compared to 120,782 for Dorothy Benford, a dominant 29.3-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

This was an open-seat race. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2020 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.

In the 2018 House race for MS-03, Michael Guest (R) won with 62.3% of the vote, defeating Michael Ted Evans (D) who received 36.7%. A third candidate also appeared on the ballot. Michael Guest's 25.6-point advantage over the runner-up confirmed a comfortable win.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Gregg Harper (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. As a Republican, Michael Guest won despite the historical midterm penalty against the president's party (Republican Trump was in office).