Gov. Reportedly To Name Hyde-Smith To Vacant Cochran Seat

BROOKHAVEN, Miss. (WCBI) – If it happens, it will be historical for the state of Mississippi.

Cindy Hyde-Smith is expected to be named as Mississippi’s next U.S. Senator.

Governor Phil Bryant must name a replacement for Senator Thad Cochran who retires in less than 2 weeks.

Bryant is expected to make the announcement tomorrow at noon in Hyde-Smith’s hometown of Brookhaven.

Hyde-Smith, who currently serves as state Ag Commissioner, would be the first woman from Mississippi to serve in Congress.

The newly appointed Senator would 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.

The state GOP is expected to back Hyde-Smith.

Support is also anticipated at a national level. Republican State Senator Chris McDaniel has already withdrawn from a primary race with Senator Roger Wicker and announced his intentions for Cochran’s seat.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.