VOTE411 Voter Guide

I believe the most important thing a leader must do is listen. And, this is the big thing that is missing in Washington today. That's why our campaign is driven by you talking, telling me what's important to you and your family; me listening, waking up each day thinking about what you say is important to your family and your community; and you and I working together to move Mississippi forward.

Born and raised in the small town of Rolling Fork, I am a former Communications Aide to President Obama. I served on active duty for 21 years including three tours in combat—earning the Bronze Star for my actions. Upon retiring from the military, I co-founded The Pyramid Project, a nonprofit organization serving youth from low-income communities by providing career and academic related resources and mentorship opportunities. I am a community organizer and lawyer in the Mississippi Delta where I advocate on behalf of individuals in some of Mississippi’s most underserved communities by helping litigants navigate the justice system. I earned my J.D. (Juris Doctor) and my LL.M. (Master of Laws) from the Georgetown University Law Center. I am now now running to represent the great state of Mississippi in the United States Senate.

As a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, I am deeply committed to the principle that Social Security is a fundamental right that ensures dignity and security for our seniors and disabled citizens. My vision for Social Security is rooted in progressive values, aiming to not only preserve but also strengthen this critical program for generations to come. I support progressive changes designed to enhance the system's solvency and expand benefits to meet the needs of our modern society.

For example, I'll advocate for lifting the cap on Social Security payroll taxes for high-income earners to ensure that everyone pays their fair share. This change would significantly bolster the program's funding without affecting the middle and working-class Americans who rely on it the most.

Additionally, I support the introduction of a minimum benefit that guarantees all seniors a life above the poverty line, recognizing the role of Social Security as a lifeline for the most vulnerable among us.

I will fight for immigration reform that preserves our security, grows our economy, and reflects our values. I will do so by supporting legislation that does three fundamental things:

​1) Decriminalizes migration and refocuses enforcement on serious criminal activity–people who want to work and become Americans should not be treated as criminals, but we should be able to deport more quickly anyone who comes here and abuses our laws and citizens.

2) Provides rights and due process in our immigration courts such as establishing professional, independent Article I immigration courts; and eliminates expedited removal and ensures due process to all.

3) Supports legal immigration and establishes a fair and achievable path to citizenship.

My stance on foreign policy is guided by the principles of diplomacy, human rights, and international cooperation. In dealing with current global hotspots, I advocate for a nuanced approach that prioritizes peaceful resolutions over military intervention, supports the rights and dignity of all people, and recognizes the complex interplay of factors that contribute to conflicts.