Want to know more about the candidates for the 4th Congressional District? We have answers

The Republican and Democratic primary elections in Mississippi will be on March 12, with voters in each party choosing their representative of choice for president and one of the state's two senators. In south Mississippi, they also will vote for their party's candidates for the 4th Congressional District.

The district represents Forrest, Lamar, Stone, Pearl River, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Marion, Perry and Wayne counties as well as part of Jones County. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day.

Many of the issues that concern the candidates focus on security at the southern border, the nation's spending, protecting law enforcement and veterans and education.

In addition, one Republican candidate wants to address such social issues as human trafficking, mental illness, homelessness and the fentanyl epidemic that is sweeping the nation.

Primary elections: Where do I vote in Forrest County? Find your polling place here

Primary elections: Do you vote in Lamar County? Find your polling place here

There are three Republican candidates and one Democratic candidate seeking office for Mississippi's 4th District of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Here is a glimpse of the candidates seeking office in the 4th District:

Mike Ezell

Mike Ezell, 64, of Pascagoula is the incumbent congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives for Mississippi's 4th District.

He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy.

He and his wife Suzette Ezell have a daughter, Amy, and son-in-law, Coby Dennis, and a granddaughter, Sydney.

Ezell is seeking reelection because he said he cares about his country and the state of Mississippi. He believes his 42 years of experience in law enforcement has helped him in Washington to better protect U.S. citizens.

He wants to strengthen the southern border and hold the Biden administration accountable for the ongoing border crisis; get rid of EPA regulations that hurt businesspeople; reduce red tape and fight bureaucracy; and reduce taxes.

Carl Boyanton

Carl Boyanton, 65, of Diamondhead is a self-employed produce broker and owner of Farmer Fresh Produce.

He has had some college education and has never served as an elected official, although he has run for office in the past.

He and his wife of 29 years, Heidi, have two daughters, Megan and Melissa.

Boyanton is running because he said he believes the current congressman "lied to us" and voted against Mississippi values.

If elected, Boyanton said he would not vote to pass the nation's budget to force the Biden administration to close the border and begin deporting illegal immigrants. He wants to move to zero-base budgeting, which would make every measure funded by the government have to be reauthorized. He would like to see law enforcement and first responders receive better pay to enhance crimefighting efforts.

Boyanton also wants to help veterans by revamping the Veterans Administration.

Michael McGill

Michael McGill, 43, of Long Beach is a retired Army combat veteran who served 20 years and is owner of School of Athens, a nonprofit organization that helps "disadvantaged children and military veterans." He holds a bachelor's degree in business management.

McGill has no prior experience as an elected official.He has a girlfriend, Kristen Henry, and two sons, Michael and Remington.

McGill is seeking office because he said he wants to put his country first and rectify some of the mistakes he witnessed during his years in the military. He wants to give every American a voice and "cut through the nonsense and red tape" to give a "realistic vision for our country."

Some of the issues that concern McGill are human trafficking, the fentanyl epidemic, education, veterans' health, mental health, homelessness, affordable health care, insurance costs and infrastructure.

Craig Raybon

Craig Raybon is the lone Democrat seeking office in the 4th District. He is included on the Democratic primary ballot and will be on the Nov. 5 ballot against the winner of the Republican primary since he is running unopposed in the primary.

So far, no information has been provided on the candidate. The Hattiesburg American has not been able to make contact with Raybon's campaign.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: 4 seek office in Congress for MS 4th District House of Representatives