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Biography
Walter Michael Ezell (/ˈiˌzɛl/ EE-ZELL; born April 6, 1959) is a former American law enforcement officer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Mississippi's 4th congressional district since 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Early life and education
Ezell was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi to S.H. "Buck", a police officer, and Betty Ezell.
He attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. He also graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in 1981 and FBI National Academy in 1990.
Career
Law enforcement officer
Ezell served in the Pascagoula Police Department, first as a patrolman in 1980, then as captain of the detective division in 1992, and then as chief of police for Ocean Springs, Mississippi, from 1998 to 2000.
Following a stint as police chief in Ocean Springs, Ezell returned to Pascagoula, where he received an assignment to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. He later served as chief of law enforcement for the Pascagoula School District and the Singing River Health System.
Ezell was elected sheriff of Jackson County, Mississippi, in a 2014 special election after Mike Byrd resigned.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2022
In 2021, Ezell announced that he would challenge Republican incumbent Steven Palazzo in Mississippi's 4th congressional district in the 2022 elections. In the seven-way June 7 primary election, Palazzo received the most votes, 31.5%, and Ezell finished second with 25%. Because no candidate received 50% of the vote, Palazzo and Ezell faced each other in a runoff election. All the other candidates in the race endorsed Ezell after they were eliminated.
Ezell won the June 28 primary runoff election and defeated Democratic nominee Johnny DuPree in the November general election.
Committee assignments
For the 118th Congress:
- Committee on Homeland Security
- Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection
- Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
- Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
Political positions
Ezell voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Personal life
Ezell is married to Suzette Ezell. They have one daughter and one granddaughter.
Ezell is a Baptist.
