Congressional candidates stump at Neshoba
Candidates (left to right): Ty Pinkins (I), Scott Colom (D), and Michael Chiaradio (D) speak at the Neshoba County Fair, June 24, 2026 (Photo by Frank Corder | Magnolia Tribune)
Three candidates on the ballot this November were on the stump at the Neshoba County Fair on Wednesday, taking their message to attendees gathered under the pavilion at Founders Square.
Democrat Michael Chiaradio, running in the Third Congressional District, kicked off the federal candidate speeches. He is challenging incumbent Republican Michael Guest. Libertarian Erik Kiehle is also on the ballot.
Guest was unable to attend the fair due to his obligations in D.C. as Congress remains in session. Kiehle was not on the speaking agenda on Wednesday.
Chiaradio moved to Mississippi from New Jersey following a brief stint playing professional baseball. He told the crowd at Neshoba in moving to Mississippi he found people around him where he could build a better life.
“When I came here I wasn’t really thinking about …