Mike Ezell
Mike Ezell is an American Republican politician and former law enforcement officer from Mississippi. He has been the U.S. representative for Mississippi’s 4th congressional district since January 2023.
Born Walter Michael Ezell in 1959 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi, taking night classes to complete it. He began his law enforcement career in 1980 and spent more than 30 years in various roles, including captain in the Pascagoula Police Department, chief of the Ocean Springs Police Department (1998–2000), and chief of law enforcement for the Pascagoula School District (2003–2007). He also worked with the district attorney’s office and as campus chief for the Singing River Health System.
Ezell was elected sheriff of Jackson County in a 2014 special election and served from 2014 to 2022. He focused on eliminating corruption, creating a new training facility, and establishing a crime laboratory. He won reelection in 2015 and 2019.
In 2022, Ezell challenged Republican incumbent Steven Palazzo in a primary after ethics concerns around Palazzo. Ezell won the runoff 54%–46% and then defeated Democrat Johnny DuPree in November to become the representative. He won reelection in 2024, defeating Democrat Craig Rayborn.
In Congress, Ezell has focused on law enforcement funding, border security, and military support. He sits on the House Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees and chairs the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. He has supported measures to strengthen police funding, border security, and American shipbuilding.
In May 2024, a report by the Associated Press alleged that Ezell assaulted a CodePink activist who was recording him about Gaza policy by slapping a phone from her hand.
Ezell is married to Suzette, and they have one daughter and one granddaughter. He is a Baptist and a member of First Baptist Church in Pascagoula.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:28 (CET).