Both candidates in the 3rd District U.S. House race stated that their intention was to ensure pre-existing conditions were covered by health insurances. Republican candidate Michael Guest believes that even if the law that required coverage for pre-existing condition is overturned by GOP state attorneys general, which is supported by President Donald Trump, pre-existing conditions will still be covered. Guest’s campaign stated that Trump supports the protection of pre-existing conditions. Mississippians want affordable, accessible, and effective health care. But, Guest’s Democratic opponent Michael Ted Evans said that he did not agree with the lawsuit. Too many people were left without insurance for too long or had to pay very high premiums because of a condition that insurance companies didn’t cover. It’s wrong and I won’t support any attempt to eliminate that protection.” Evans stated that the topic is important to Evans and his family since his wife, who is a survivor of cancer, is also covered. Both candidates will be competing to replace Gregg Harper, a Republican incumbent representing the 3rd district for 10 years. Guest is the favorite in the Republican-leaning 24 County District that stretches from Oktibbeha County, northeast Mississippi to the southwest portion of the state in Wilkerson County. The district is dominated heavily by Republican-leaning Rankin and Madison counties. Guest is the district attorney for these two counties. Evans, who was a firefighter in the past and is now a poultry farmer, represents rural eastern Mississippi, including portions of Kemper Lauderdale, Neshoba, Winston, and Neshoba counties. Evans made a case for representation outside of Rankin earlier this summer at the Neshoba Country Fair. This is the largest county in the district, and also the home to both Harper and Guest. Many political observers think Evans is lacking the resources to effectively get his message across. Evans is positive about the campaign. “I’ve been to all the counties and met people from all walks. Evans stated that right now, Evans is on his Big Country Tractor Tour, going from one town to the next on the backroad. “This is how you really get to know a place, being out in nature and seeing rural areas up close. I even ran into a camel-milking operation. “The 3rd District is hardworking. They deserve someone who can work hard for them in Washington D.C.” Guest raised $846,082 while Evans raised $32,816 while Evans spent $21,428. Rob Pillow, the campaign’s spokesperson, stated that Michael Guest traveled throughout the 24 counties multiple times throughout the primary, runoff and general elections to speak to residents about his experience, background and views on key issues facing our state and nation. We have seen economic growth under Republican leadership in Mississippi. “With continued Republican leadership at Washington, we can create an environment of lower taxes. We can also reduce regulations which will result in a growing economic sector and more people having opportunities.” The Guest campaign stated that the candidate believes strengthening workforce training programs is one way to keep this growth going. This includes private-public partnerships. He stated that community colleges are crucial to these efforts. Evans stated that the goal of improving the district was to “make college more affordable” for all students. We have to do more to ensure that they stay in the area to build their families and make their careers. Our small towns and health care system can be improved. Farmers need our full support, and that does not mean making our largest trading partners stop buying their products. The Congress has a role in all of these things,” Reform Party candidate Matthew Holland is also running for the 3rd district. On Tuesday, incumbents were favored in three other U.S. House districts. Bennie Thompson, the only Democrat, and dean of the congressional delegation in the 2nd district, will be challenged by Irving Harris, a Reform Party candidate, and Troy Ray, an independent. Democrat Randy Mack Wadkins will challenge Republican Trent Kelly in the 1st district. Wadkins is an Iuka native who is a University of Mississippi Chemistry Instructor. He has been aggressive in his campaign against Kelly. In the 1st district, Reform Party candidate Tracella Lou O’Hara Hill is also running. The incumbent Steven Palazzo in the 4th district is being challenged by Jeremey Anderson, a Democratic state representative from Escatawpa. Anderson, 26 years old, is trying to get young voters involved. Lajena Sheets is also running for the 4th District.