U.S. Senate candidates Cindy Hyde Smith and Mike Espy are heading to a runoff. MPB's Ashley Norwood reports.
Republican voters are cheering as Cindy Hyde-Smith walks on stage at an election party in Jackson.
In yesterday's U.S. Senate special election, Hyde-Smith had about a one percent voter advantage over Democrat Mike Espy. She says her campaign team is prepared for the next phase.
"We're going to talk to everybody. We're going to get out there and we're going to work. We will be in session part of that time so I'm going to pull a double duty. My message which has been consistent. I'm here for two reasons: jobs and the economy less regulations and that's what everybody else with conservative values in Mississippi want also," said Hyde-Smith.
Opponent Mike Espy says high voter turnout worked to his advantage. At his own election party, Espy tells voters to keep the same energy. He says a vote for him is a vote for a stronger state.
"I'm going to stand for healthcare. I want to make sure that my children and your children and our grandchildren can graduate form these colleges and have a job and not have a foot in the ditch with student debt. And I just want to make sure that Mississippi can continue to rise," said Espy.
During the campaign, Republican candidate Chris McDaniel challenged Hyde-Smith's conservatism. In a speech before supporters in Laurel, McDaniel conceded saying it's time Republicans unite to keep Espy away from the senate seat.
"I am a conservative. We are the salt in the life of a party, the salt in the life of a culture. We now have to unite. Mister Espy cannot be allowed to win this seat. President Trump wants us to unite we will unite and we will back Cindy Hyde-Smith," said McDaniel.
A run-off between Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy is set for November 27. Ashley Norwood, MPB News.
