Name & occupation: Rodney Hall – State Representative, Mississippi House of Representatives; Attorney; Lieutenant Colonel & Infantry Officer in the MS Army National Guard; Veteran; Former Congressional Staffer
Previous Positions held: Congressional Staffer, U.S. House of Representatives; Prosecuting & Private Sector Attorney
How has your service as an Army Ranger shaped your political career? Service as an Army Ranger instilled in me a deep commitment to duty, discipline, and the principle that leadership is not about personal ambition but about serving others. The Ranger ethos—never leaving a comrade behind, always accomplishing the mission, and accepting greater responsibility—translates directly into my approach to public service. I see my role as a legislator through the lens of servant leadership: ensuring that every Mississippian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. In politics, just as in combat, courage, integrity, and perseverance are essential to advancing the cause of freedom and securing a stronger future for our state and nation.
Being the first Black Republican to serve in the Mississippi state legislature since Reconstruction, how can our party continue to expand our base?
Our party must remain rooted in the fundamental principles that have long defined conservatism: faith, family, freedom, and economic opportunity. Expanding our base means ensuring that we are not just talking about these values but demonstrating how conservative policies uplift families and communities, particularly those historically underserved by government.
We must be intentional in engaging new voices, investing in young conservative leaders, and meeting people where they are—whether that’s in the church, the business community, or on college campuses. The Republican Party’s legacy includes leaders like Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, and we should boldly communicate that conservatism has always been about empowering individuals, strengthening families, and advancing economic independence. As someone who has broken barriers, I believe our party’s best days lie ahead if we continue championing policies that prioritize opportunity over dependency and faith over government control.
What is one of the most important lessons you learned from your time as a congressional staffer that has influenced how you run your own office? One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a congressional staffer is that public service is about responsiveness and results. The best legislators are those who listen more than they speak,
who take the concerns of their constituents seriously, and who work tirelessly to turn conservative principles into real, meaningful policy.
I run my office with that same mindset—every letter, phone call, and meeting matters. My constituents expect and deserve not just rhetoric, but real solutions that make their lives better. I also learned the importance of coalition-building. No meaningful legislation is passed in isolation; success requires forging strong relationships and finding common ground, even in a highly polarized environment. While my conservative principles are non-negotiable, I believe in governing with both conviction and wisdom—fighting for what’s right while building consensus where possible.
Finally, what are your top three legislative priorities?
- Economic Growth & Workforce Development – Mississippi’s future depends on expanding job opportunities and ensuring our workforce is equipped for the 21st-century economy. That means cutting burdensome regulations, fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive, and investing in career and technical education so young Mississippians can build a future here at home rather than seeking opportunity elsewhere.
- Defending Conservative Values – Our state must continue to stand strong in defense of religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and the Second Amendment. These are not just political issues; they are fundamental to the identity of our state and our nation. I am committed to ensuring Mississippi remains a bastion of freedom where faith, family, and personal responsibility are protected from government overreach.
- Public Safety & National Security – As a veteran, I understand the importance of law and order. Ensuring our communities remain safe requires supporting law enforcement, combating crime, and standing against policies that weaken our justice system. Mississippi must also do its part to support national security efforts, whether through strong border policies or ensuring our state remains a place where veterans and military families are honored and supported.
Mississippi stands at a pivotal moment in history—poised for growth, ready to lead, and committed to securing a future built on opportunity, faith, and freedom. I am honored to play a role in that future, ensuring our state and nation remain strong for generations to come.