Career Timeline of Bennie Thompson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Bennie Thompson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bennie Thompson is a U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 2nd congressional district since 1993. As a Democrat, he chaired the Committee on Homeland Security, notably as the first African American to hold that position. He has been the sole Democrat in Mississippi's congressional delegation since 2011 and dean of the delegation since 2018.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1968: Earned Bachelor of Arts

In 1968, Bennie Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Tougaloo College.

1969: Served as alderman

In 1969, Bennie Thompson began serving as an alderman in Bolton, Mississippi.

1972: Earned Master of Science

In 1972, Bennie Thompson earned a Master of Science degree in educational administration from Jackson State University.

1973: Mayor of Bolton

In 1973, Bennie Thompson became the mayor of Bolton, Mississippi, a position he held until 1980.

1975: Original Plaintiff in Ayers Case

In 1975, Bennie Thompson became one of the original plaintiffs in the Ayers Case, concerning funding for black educational institutes in Mississippi.

1980: Elected to Hinds County Board of Supervisors

In 1980, Bennie Thompson was elected to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, serving until 1993.

March 30, 1993: Finished second in special election primary

On March 30, 1993, Bennie Thompson finished second in the special election primary for Mississippi's 2nd congressional district, with 28% of the vote.

1993: End of Term as Hinds County Supervisor

In 1993, Bennie Thompson's service on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors came to an end.

1994: Won seat again

In 1994, Bennie Thompson won the seat again to the U.S. House of Representatives in Mississippi's 2nd congressional district.

2000: Legislation for National Center for Minority Health

In 2000, Bennie Thompson wrote legislation that created the National Center for Minority Health and Health Care Disparities.

2002: Held to 55% of the vote

In 2002, journalist Clinton LeSueur held Bennie Thompson to 55% of the vote.

2004: Objected to certification of 2004 presidential election results

In 2004, Bennie Thompson was one of 31 House Democrats to object to the certification of the results of the 2004 presidential election in Ohio, citing irregularities and fraud.

2004: Held to 58% of the vote

In 2004, journalist Clinton LeSueur held Bennie Thompson to 58% of the vote.

2005: Advocate for Gulf Coast after Hurricanes

In 2005, Bennie Thompson became an outspoken advocate for the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, pushing for accountability and careful reviews.

April 2006: Action against George W. Bush

In April 2006, Bennie Thompson, along with John Conyers, brought an action against George W. Bush alleging violations of the Constitution.

January 5, 2007: Introduced H.R.1

On January 5, 2007, Bennie Thompson introduced H.R.1, "Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007", as the first bill of the 110th Congress.

January 9, 2007: Passed H.R.1

On January 9, 2007, H.R.1 passed the House with bipartisan support with a vote of 299-128.

July 27, 2007: Conference Report on H.R. 1 passed House

On July 27, 2007, the Conference Report on H.R. 1 passed the House overwhelmingly, 371–40.

August 3, 2007: President Signed H.R. 1 into Law

On August 3, 2007, the President signed H.R. 1 into law.

December 27, 2009: Called for a halt to plans with regard to Yemen

On December 27, 2009, Bennie Thompson called for a halt to all current plans with regard to Yemen due to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's ties there.

July 2014: Introduced bill to limit classified documents

In July 2014, Bennie Thompson joined Senator Ron Wyden in introducing a bill to limit the number of classified documents and overhaul the security clearance system.

April 1, 2020: Introduced legislation for coronavirus commission

On April 1, 2020, Bennie Thompson and other Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation to create a commission for a full accounting of the nation's preparedness and response to the coronavirus.

January 7, 2021: Statement on Capitol Attack

On January 7, 2021, Bennie Thompson issued a statement about the January 6 United States Capitol attack, calling for a thorough Congressional investigation.

February 16, 2021: NAACP Filed Lawsuit on Behalf of Thompson

On February 16, 2021, on behalf of Bennie Thompson, the NAACP filed a federal lawsuit accusing Donald Trump of inciting violence on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol assault.

March 3, 2021: Voted Against the For the People Act

On March 3, 2021, Bennie Thompson was the only House Democrat to vote against the For the People Act, citing constituent opposition.

May 14, 2021: Announced H.R. 3233

On May 14, 2021, Bennie Thompson and John Katko announced H.R. 3233, The National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act.

July 1, 2021: Chosen to Chair January 6th Committee

On July 1, 2021, Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose Bennie Thompson to chair the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.

2021: Stands by 2004 Election Vote

As of 2021, Bennie Thompson stands by his vote to object to the certification of the 2004 presidential election results in Ohio.

December 31, 2021: Deadline for Report

H.R. 3233, announced on May 14, 2021, set a firm deadline of December 31, 2021, to complete the report.

April 2024: Introduced bill to strip Secret Service protection from convicted felons

In April 2024, Bennie Thompson introduced a bill to strip Secret Service protection from convicted felons.

May 2024: Conviction in New York

In April 2024, Bennie Thompson introduced (along with eight other Democrats) a bill to strip Secret Service protection from convicted felons (intended to include former President Donald Trump) after Trump was convicted in New York in May 2024.