Chris McDaniel Changes Plans, Switches Senate Race

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – For months Mississippians have been anticipating the race between Chris McDaniel and Senator Roger Wicker, but now, that’s not happening.

In a press release, Chris McDaniel says he’s abandoning his primary challenge against Senator Wicker and will now run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator Thad Cochran. That election is scheduled for November.

Just a day before the qualifying deadline for the Mississippi Senate race, McDaniel threw his name in the running.

Now this isn’t McDaniel’s first rodeo. Ironically enough, he lost in the primaries against Senator Cochran back in 2014.

In his statement Wednesday, McDaniel stated he’s heard from many constituents to run for the seat that will become open April 1. At which point Governor Phil Bryant will appoint an interim senator.

Related: McDaniel Press Release

Thad Cochran announced last month he’d be stepping down citing his health.

McDaniel says that he’s listening to the people and feels an open seat is the best path to win an election to the United States Senate.

Also in his statement McDaniel puts Mitch McConnell on blast stating he’s done everything he can to keep McDaniel from getting elected to the senate.

Earlier Wednesday we spoke with Governor Bryant on the upcoming vacancy and he said he’s gotten advice on who to appoint and hopes to make an announcement next month.