Mississippi’s 1st District race puts incumbent Trent Kelly against challenger Cliff Johnson

Johnson said his decision to run came after conversations with students and his own children about the country’s political direction. He said he felt compelled to enter the race rather than remain on the sidelines.

“I think this is a time more than ever where we need fighters,” Johnson said. “The stakes are too high.” 

He continues on to describe how elected leaders aren’t putting Mississippians first. 

“I think there’s too many Mississippians who feel helpless and hopeless,” said Johnson. “And what I want them to know is the power doesn’t rest in Washington.”

Johnson’s campaign centers on what he describes as an affordability crisis affecting working families. He has called for attention to wages, housing costs, health care and Social Security, arguing that government should prioritize residents’ livelihoods because many are struggling to keep up with everyday expenses.

“We have to prioritize the human suffering that exists as a result of wages that haven't kept up with costs,” Johnson said. 

He has also raised concerns about artificial intelligence and data center development, calling for stronger federal oversight. Johnson said the developments are ‘an international threat’ and communities need more information about potential effects on electricity, water supplies and local infrastructure. 

Johnson said he fears Mississippi is becoming a ‘data center dumping ground.’ Along with corporations persuading small town local officials with money, not knowing the harm data centers could bring. 

Johnson has made government accountability another central issue, arguing that Congress has become too deferential to the president. He said lawmakers should be willing to challenge their own party when policies hurt their constituents. 

“I've got to, if I'm elected, always keep Mississippi first and be willing to fight anybody who's trying to do something that's bad for north Mississippi,” Johnson said. “So, I think that means putting party loyalty aside, it’s a commitment to keeping first things first. And for me, that means representing this state I love and the really good people who live here.” 

 Denise Fondren was at the Oxford brewery supporting Johnson. The practicing attorney was a student at the school of law and saw Johnson be an advocate for students and various communities as a lawyer. She said when she goes to the polls, she is voting for someone who will represent Mississippians. 

“We need someone in office that’s gonna represent all Mississippians. Not just themselves, not just those closet to them, but everybody,” said Fondren “The farmer, the person, the unemployed, the veteran, everybody and go to the table with the intentions of helping all Mississippians, not just one subset.” 

Johnson knows the race to Congress is an uphill battle but remains optimistic. He said he wants his efforts to be an example for his students to fight for what they believe is right. 

“You don’t have to have the answer for everything. You don’t have to solve every problem in the world,” said Johnson. “That’s too big. But by gosh, get out there and play your piece of the puzzle. Do your part.”

Republican Rep. Trent Kelly has represented the district for 11 years. He’s emphasizing job growth, business development, military strength and his experience securing federal resources for Mississippi.

Kelly said his decision to seek another term is rooted in the work he believes he has accomplished for the district, including assistance for veterans, infrastructure projects and rural communities.

“We've helped so many constituents, so many veterans, so many Social Security and disability people throughout,” Kelly said. “We've brought so much money to our rural and urban areas here in North Mississippi.” 

Kelly pointed to business expansion and job creation as signs of progress in the district. He said Mississippi has seen more opportunities and higher-paying jobs, while acknowledging that gas and diesel prices remain concerns for residents.

“A lot of the issues with gas and diesel is refineries have been shut down… So, we've got to rebuild that refining infrastructure,” said Kelly. “I just got about 80% of my ship's passed through the NDAA, which rebuilds the industrial infrastructure so that we're building things and creating jobs here in America.”

On inflation, Kelly said his approach includes reducing business costs, bringing more industry and manufacturing to the United States and addressing fuel prices. 

“We continue to do things that cut costs and input costs. That means increasing labor costs, so more money in your pocket is also coming back. It means you have more disposable income. We continue to make sure that we do everything we can.” 

Kelly has served in the military for 40 years and retired in 2025 as major general from the Mississippi National Guard. He said he shares Mississippians’ growing concerns about the conflicts overseas and wants to see an end to them as well. 

He also credited President Donald Trump’s administration with lowering inflation compared with the previous administration.  However, he disagrees with the President’s deal with Russia for diesel, as the Ukrainian and Russian war continues. 

“Joe Biden never stopped the sanctions on diesel and fossil fuels against Russia during his entire term. And he fueled that for the first four or first three years of that conflict,” said Kelly. “Number one, I don’t think we should do anything that helps Russians, they’re a communist nation and they a dictatorship. We should never do anything that helps them. So, I’m not for that. What I’m doing is making sure that we have the strongest military and the strongest intelligence services to put America in the best position to win and defer our opponents around the world.” 

Kelly defended his support for legislation commonly called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” disputing that it cuts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. He said the changes are intended to reduce fraud and ensure benefits reach eligible recipients.

Elias Addy lives in the first Congressional district. The Oxford resident said he’s been encouraging his peers to vote for someone who will address how Mississippians can achieve financial security. 

“We’ve got a lot of people that own multi-million-dollar homes, but the majority of this town can’t afford that and are struggling to find somewhere to be,” said Addy. “I’ve got a lot of friends that have had to leave town because they couldn’t afford to be here.” 

Kelly said with an influx of businesses in North Mississippi, there are more high paying jobs for Mississippians who may be struggling to make ends meet. 

“There are so many jobs that have opened. I would suggest to go apply to these places. These are jobs available and all of those are paying well above any minimum wage,” said Kelly. “They’re paying, actually a lot of these jobs, almost $80,000 a year. I would suggest to go out there and start looking for jobs and try to find one. And for those who aren’t we’re going to continue to make sure that if they have disabilities that they not able to work, we are going to do everything we can to make sure they get the services and government that they need.” 

Kelly argues his experience and record make him the dependable choice. He said voters should consider his record rather than campaign promises. “I have a record I'm proud of, a record that is proven. And I think people should go with a proven commodity as opposed to promises, some things that aren't gonna happen.” 

While Cliff Johnson said voters have an opportunity to demand a new direction. “I have seen so many good people who want so much better and it has made me hopeful,” said Johnson. “The flip side of that is it really saddens me to think that if these elections go the wrong way, those same people are going to continue to suffer, and it may get worse than ever.”

For voters, the race will come down to which candidate they believe is better equipped to address the district’s economic concerns and represent North Mississippi in Washington.