Michael Guest

Michael Guest is an American attorney and politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 3rd congressional district since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he has been active in various legislative roles, including serving as the chair of the House Committee on Ethics. Guest's political career is marked by a focus on issues relevant to his constituents and a commitment to party leadership.

Early life and career

Michael Patrick Guest was born on February 4, 1970. He pursued higher education at Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. He furthered his education at the University of Mississippi School of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree. Following his graduation, Guest began his legal career in the public sector, serving as the Assistant District Attorney for Madison and Rankin counties from 1994 to 2008. His tenure in this role provided him with significant experience in the legal system and public service, which would later inform his political career. In 2008, he was elected as the District Attorney for the same counties, a position he held until he transitioned to federal politics.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Guest is an active member of his community. He and his family attend Brandon Baptist Church, where he contributes as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. This involvement reflects his commitment to community service and the values that guide his personal and professional life.

House tenure

Michael Guest entered the political arena by running for the United States House of Representatives in 2018, seeking to succeed Gregg Harper, who opted not to seek reelection. In the Republican primary, Guest emerged as the leading candidate, securing 45% of the votes in a competitive six-way race. Since no candidate achieved the necessary majority, he faced Whit Hughes in a runoff election, which he won. Subsequently, Guest defeated Democratic nominee Michael Evans in the general election, marking the beginning of his congressional career.

In his subsequent elections, Guest was reelected in 2020, where he garnered approximately 64.7% of the vote against Democrat Dort Benford. He continued to build on his electoral success with another reelection in 2022, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Mississippi politics.

Throughout his tenure, Guest has taken various stances on significant national issues. Notably, he voted against the establishment of the January 6th Committee, which was formed to investigate the events surrounding the Capitol riot. In November 2021, he faced scrutiny when it was reported that he had violated the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act by failing to disclose certain stock trades related to BP and ExxonMobil, resulting in a fine.

Guest's legislative actions have also included responses to national events. Following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which revoked the constitutional right to abortion, he expressed concerns regarding attacks on crisis pregnancy centers by groups he labeled as extremist. His advocacy for Israel was evident following the 2023 Hamas attack, where he voted in support of measures to assist the nation. Additionally, he played a role in proposing the resolution that led to the expulsion of fellow Congressman George Santos from Congress.

In 2024, Guest voted against a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, a decision that drew attention due to its potential impact on defense jobs within his constituency.

Legislative focus and committees

During the 119th Congress, Michael Guest has been involved in several key committees that reflect his legislative priorities and areas of focus. He serves on the Committee on Appropriations, where he is involved in determining federal spending and budget allocations. Within this committee, he is a member of multiple subcommittees, including those focused on Energy and Water Development, Homeland Security, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.

In addition to his role on the Appropriations Committee, Guest is the chair of the House Committee on Ethics, a position he assumed following the death of Jackie Walorski in August 2022. This role places him in a critical position regarding the ethical standards and conduct of members of Congress.

Guest is also a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, which he chairs. This committee work aligns with his interests in national security and immigration policy, areas that are particularly relevant to his constituents.

Beyond his committee assignments, Guest is a member of various caucuses that reflect his legislative interests and priorities. These include the Army Caucus, Border Security Caucus, and Pro-Life Caucus, among others. His involvement in these groups indicates a commitment to addressing issues related to national defense, immigration, and social policies.

Overall, Michael Guest's career in the U.S. House of Representatives is characterized by a focus on legislative leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to the values of his constituents in Mississippi's 3rd congressional district. His ongoing service is set to continue until at least January 3, 2027, as he remains an active participant in the legislative process.