Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith bested Democrat Mike Espy Tuesday night in a Mississippi Senate run off defined by allegations of racism levied against the eventual victor.
Hyde-Smith was helped to a 54-46 percent victory over Espy, a former congressman and secretary of agriculture in the Clinton administration, by a late influx of spending and two rally appearances by President Trump.
Republicans felt compelled to launch a last minute push to ensure Hyde-Smith’s victory in an otherwise safe red state after she was caught on tape joking about attending a public hanging. The effort proved fruitful as Hyde-Smith’s victory ensured a 53-47 Republican majority in the upper chamber.
“The reason we won is because Mississippians know me and they know my heart,” Hyde-Smith said on Tuesday night. “This win tonight, this victory, it’s about our conservative values, it’s about the things that mean the most to all of us Mississippians: our faith, our family.”
In expressing admiration for a supporter during a campaign event, Hyde-Smith said if he invited her to “a public hanging, I’d be on the front row.” The comment, which her campaign maintains was made in jest, drew the ire of many prominent liberal pundits and lawmakers and was seized upon by Espy’s camp.
Hyde-Smith, a former state lawmaker and agriculture commissioner, defended the comment during a debate last week, saying she intended “no ill will.”
“It came out of your mouth. I don’t know what’s in your heart, but we all know what came out of your mouth,” replied Espy, who, if elected, would have been Mississippi’s first black congressional representative since reconstruction.
Trump, who threw his support firmly behind Hyde-Smith in the waning days of the race, celebrated the victory on Twitter Wednesday morning.
Congratulations to Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith on your big WIN in the Great State of Mississippi. We are all very proud of you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2018