Gov. Announces Hyde-Smith U.S. Senate Appointment

BROOKHAVEN, Miss. (WCBI) – History was made today in the state of Mississippi.

Cindy Hyde-Smith’s appointment to the U.S. Senate makes her the first female from Mississippi to hold the title.

Senator Thad Cochran is set to retire in less than 2 weeks, forcing Governor Phil Bryant to appoint a replacement.

Bryant made that announcement today at noon in Hyde-Smith’s hometown of Brookhaven.

Hyde-Smith, served as the state Ag Commissioner, prior to today’s appointment.

Hyde-Smith will be expected to immediately run for re-election, to fill the remaining 3 years in Cochran’s term.

That special election will be November 6.

Republican State Senator Chris McDaniel has already withdrawn from a primary race with Senator Roger Wicker and announced his intentions for Cochran’s seat. Several well known Democratic candidates are expected to run as well.

Associated Press Writer, Emily Wagster Pettus captured this, moments after the announcement showing Hyde-Smith is ready for the upcoming special election.

Senator Roger Wicker’s office released a statement following the announcement commending the Governor’s selection.

“Governor Phil Bryant has made an excellent and historic pick in Cindy Hyde-Smith to be our next United States Senator.  She served admirably in the Mississippi Senate and as our Commissioner of Agriculture, and I know she will be an effective, conservative Senator from day one.  I look forward to being her colleague and working with her to serve all Mississippians,” says Wicker.