Biography & Campaign Analysis
Background
Jeffrey Hulum III was born on July 23, 1976, in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he graduated from Gulfport High School. He attended Central Texas College and later joined the U.S. Army, in which he served for 22 years. After leaving the military, Hulum founded several community organizations that focused on food drops. He is of the Baptist faith.
Career
Hulum first sought the 119th district seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2019, when he challenged incumbent Democrat Sonya Williams-Barnes and lost in the Democratic primary.
After Williams-Barnes resigned in May 2022 to join the Southern Poverty Law Center, a special election was held on July 19, 2022, and Hulum defeated fellow Democrat Gary Fredericks by a large margin. The district is based in the city of Gulfport in Harrison County.
In the legislature he serves as vice-chair for Marine Resources and sits on the Gaming; Military Affairs; Ports, Harbors and Airports; and Tourism committees.
2026 race
Mississippi's 4th congressional district encompasses the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Bay St. Louis, Laurel and Pascagoula, and its incumbent is Republican Mike Ezell, who was first elected in 2022.
Jeffrey Hulum III won the Democratic primary with 57.7% of the vote, defeating U.S. Navy veteran Paul Blackman, who took 27.7%, and Ryan Grover, a marketing consultant, graphic designer and the party's 2023 nominee for lieutenant governor, who took 14.6%.
In the general election on November 3, 2026, Hulum faces Ezell, who won his own primary with 84.1% of the vote against former congressional staffer Sawyer Walters.