Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is the first woman to represent Mississippi in Washington. Her Democratic challenger Mike Espy is looking to become Mississippi's first black U.S. Senator since Reconstruction. The two ran against each other in a 2018 special election following the resignation of former Senator Thad Cochran. Hyde-Smith won by 16 points, and recent polls show she retains that lead.
Senator Hyde-Smith spoke to voters at an annual Hobnob event in Jackson. She says she wants to bring more revenue to Mississippi. "I am focused on uniting Mississippians and doing what I can to help our state restore the economic growth, safely reopen the economy, improving healthcare and continuing to educate our children as well as we get past the pandemic," says Hyde-Smith.
Before running for Senate, Hyde-Smith was the Agriculture Commissioner for Mississippi.
Mike Espy served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under the Clinton administration and served in Congress for Mississippi's second congressional district.
Speaking in a pre-recorded video, Espy says he wants to move Mississippi forward. "Your vote for Mike Espy will mean improved economic opportunities, good-paying jobs for all Mississippians, putting an end to economic inequality," says Espy. "All Mississippians have a fair shot to get a job, to buy a home, or to start a business."
Both candidates will appear on Tuesday's statewide ballot.
