Rep. Mike Espy

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., seen at a debate with Democrat Mike Espy in Jackson, Miss., won a runoff election to hold her seat on Tuesday.

Politics & Government

Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith Wins Miss. Senate Runoff After Racially Charged Campaign

10:29pm November 27, 2018

by Jessica Taylor

Revelations about Hyde-Smith in recent weeks revived memories of the state's dark history of racism and violence. She prevailed over Democrat Mike Espy and has to run again in 2020 for a full term.

Democrat Mike Espy and Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith participate in a televised Senate debate Tuesday night in Jackson, Miss.

Politics & Government

Racial Controversy Stirs Mississippi Senate Runoff

3:01pm November 21, 2018

At a debate Tuesday night, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith apologized to anyone offended by her "public hanging" remark. Her African-American opponent Mike Espy said she reinforces stereotypes about the state.

Queue Listen Now

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., at a Senate hearing in May. She is under sharp criticism for her comments about a "public hanging" in a state with a dark history of lynchings.

Politics & Government

GOP Senator's 'Public Hanging' Comment Roils Mississippi Runoff Election

4:51pm November 12, 2018

by Debbie Elliott

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, facing African-American opponent Mike Espy on Nov. 27, was caught on tape saying about a supporter, "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row."