Hon. Roger Wicker
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Prior to serving in the Senate, Roger represented Mississippi’s First Congressional District, having been first elected in 1994. He was re-elected to a seventh term in November 2006. Before going to Congress, Roger was elected to two terms in the Mississippi State Senate, serving from 1987-1994.
Roger serves as Deputy Whip and is a member of the Armed Services Committee, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and the Veterans Affairs Committee. As Deputy Whip, Wicker works along alongside Republican Whip Jon Kyl to recommend conservative agenda items and build support for the legislative plan.
Roger has been a strong supporter of health care research activities. His efforts have been recognized by leading national organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.
Roger has also been involved in activities to spur economic development and bring jobs to Mississippi. His advocacy for programs such as the Appalachian Regional Commission and Economic Development Administration has led to hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment in predominately rural areas.
A native of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Roger is 59 years old. He received his B.A. and law degrees from the University of Mississippi. He served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and then served in the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the Reserve in 2004 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Roger is a member of the Tupelo First Baptist Church, where he sings in the choir. He is a deacon and formerly served as chairman of the deacons at First Baptist Church.
He is married to the former Gayle Long of Tupelo. They have three children: Margaret and son-in-law Manning McPhillips; Caroline and son-in-law Kirk Sims; and McDaniel; and one granddaughter, Caroline McPhillips.
