Bennie Thompson
For the football player of the same name see Bennie Thompson (American football). Bennie Thompson Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's 2nd district Incumbent Assumed office April 13, 1993 Preceded by Mike Espy Chairperson of the House Homeland Security Committee In office January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2011 Preceded by Peter King Succeeded by Peter King Personal details Born Bennie Gordon Thompson (1948-01-28) January 28, 1948 (age 67) Bolton, Mississippi, U.S. Political party Democratic Spouse(s) London Thompson Alma mater Tougaloo College Jackson State University Religion Methodism Bennie Gordon Thompson (born January 28, 1948) is the U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 2nd congressional district, serving since 1993, and the ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security since 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes most of Jackson and is the only majority-black district in the state. The district is approximately 275 miles (443 km) long, 180 miles (290 km) wide and borders the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Delta comprises the vast majority of the 2nd District. He is both the first Democrat and the first African American to chair the Homeland Security Committee in the House.