Scandal-plagued Mississippi GOP Rep. Steven Palazzo defeated in runoff election

Kate Scanlon

June 28, 10:02 PM June 28, 10:08 PM

Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-MS) has been defeated in a runoff election amid a marketing campaign finance investigation.

Palazzo was defeated by Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell for the Republican nomination in the 4th Congressional District, which spans the southeastern location of the state among Louisiana and Alabama.

SCANDAL-PLAGUED MISSISSIPPI GOP REP. STEVEN PALAZZO Compelled INTO RUNOFF ELECTION

Soon after Ezell certified for the runoff election, he was endorsed by all of the other primary challengers.

Palazzo was compelled into a runoff election earlier this thirty day period just after a crowded subject of key challengers ran towards him as he confronted allegations he misused marketing campaign resources.

An Business office of Congressional Ethics report issued very last year reported there was “substantial rationale to believe” Palazzo “converted resources to personal use.” He has denied the allegations and claimed they have been politically enthusiastic.

Mississippi legislation demands a applicant to gain a the greater part of the vote alternatively than a plurality in purchase to be the outright winner of a major with out a the greater part, the top two vote-getters go into a runoff election. The crowded discipline of Republican candidates may possibly have or else split an anti-incumbent vote in Palazzo’s favor in the main.

Palazzo’s main rivals criticized the longtime lawmaker not just for the ethics investigation he faces but for skipping prospect discussion boards. Following he was compelled into the runoff, Palazzo participated in a debate for the initial time considering that he won the seat more than a ten years back.

The 4th District seat is safely Republican in November.