Guest, Michael

Michael Guest is a Republican representative from Mississippi's 3rd congressional district who has served in the House since 2019. As chair of the House Committee on Ethics, Guest oversees the body responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by members of Congress and congressional staff, enforcing the chamber's rules of conduct, and advising members on ethics matters. This position carries significant institutional power, as the Ethics Committee operates with rare bipartisan structure and its findings can result in sanctions, expulsions, or referrals for criminal prosecution.

Guest's background as an attorney provides relevant expertise for his ethics leadership role. He also serves on several other House committees, including Appropriations, Homeland Security, and Energy and Water Development, and chairs the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee. His legislative work has focused on issues including veterans affairs, law enforcement, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

Guest assumed the Ethics Committee chair in January 2023 following the November 2022 midterm elections that gave Republicans House control. He had previously served as ranking member after the August 2022 death of Jackie Walorski. As chair, he has responsibility for setting the committee's agenda and determining which investigations receive priority attention. His legislative record reflects a focus on national security, border issues, and veterans' concerns, consistent with his committee assignments and conservative political orientation.