Phil Bryant will reportedly appoint the state's first female member of Congress by picking the state’s agriculture commissioner to fill the vacancy to be left by Sen. Thad Cochran’s upcoming retirement. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Cindy Hyde-Smith, who has served as the state’s agriculture commissioner since 2011, will step into the veteran Republican’s seat. McDaniel was going to challenge incumbent Sen. Roger Wicker, but last week announced his intention to run for Cochran’s seat instead. The Associated Press reports that Hyde-Smith could be able to call on support from agricultural interests, which are strong in Mississippi. “It's because they know that I won't be answering to them [GOP establishment], I'll be answering to the voters of Mississippi and putting Mississippi first."

Source: Fox News March 20, 2018 18:58 UTC