# Cindy Hyde-Smith One-term Republican senator from Mississippi, serving since April 2018. Appointed by Gov. [[Phil Bryant]] to fill the vacancy left by Thad Cochran's retirement; won the 2018 special general, won re-election in 2020 regular cycle. Previously Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture (2012–2018). Began political career as a Democrat in the Mississippi State Senate before switching parties in 2010. Trump-endorsed for 2026; won the March 10 primary 80.8%. ## Career highlights - Mississippi State Senate 2000–2012 (as a Democrat 2000–2010, Republican 2010–2012) - Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce (2012–2018) — first woman elected to the post - Appointed to U.S. Senate April 2018 by Gov. Phil Bryant; won Nov 2018 special election against Mike Espy - Re-elected 2020 with 54% against Espy again - Extensive blue-slip refusals during Biden-era federal judicial nominations, most notably blocking Scott Colom's U.S. District Court nomination — the same Colom who is now her 2026 Democratic opponent ## 2026 cycle Running for a second full term. Won March 10 Republican primary with 80.8% against physician Sarah Adlakha. General election against Democrat Scott Colom (Lowndes County DA) and independent Ty Pinkins. If neither candidate wins a majority on November 3, Mississippi's majority-vote rule triggers a December 1 runoff. Cook Solid R. See [[MS-Sen-2026]] for full race context. ## Ideological positioning - Standard Southern Republican on economic and social issues - Consistent Trump ally through both presidencies; voted to acquit at both impeachments - Major flashpoint of national attention: 2018 "public hanging" comment during special election campaign — she said she would attend one "in the front row" if invited by a supporter; the comment surfaced the racial politics of Mississippi campaigns and has been a durable feature of her media coverage - Strong alignment with agricultural and rural-state economic priorities ## Related - [[MS-Sen-2026]] - [[MAGA]] — frame for her Trump alignment