Trump endorses Hyde-Smith in Mississippi Senate race

President Trump endorsed Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Thursday in a competitive Mississippi Senate special election.

A former Democrat, Hyde-Smith’s conservative credentials have been questioned by her opponents during the campaign. 

Hyde-Smith “has helped me put America First!” Trump tweeted out. “She’s strong on the wall, is helping me create Jobs, loves our Vets and fights for our conservative judges.”

.@cindyhydesmith has helped me put America First! She’s strong on the Wall, is helping me create Jobs, loves our Vets and fights for our conservative judges…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2018

The president also touted Hyde-Smith’s voting record, tweeting that she “has voted for our Agenda in the Senate 100% of the time and has my complete and total Endorsement.”

…Cindy has voted for our Agenda in the Senate 100% of the time and has my complete and total Endorsement. We need Cindy to win in Mississippi!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2018

Hyde-Smith, who was appointed by the governor in April to fill a vacant seat, is in a tight race against state Sen. Chris McDaniel (R) and former Rep. Mike Espy (D) to fill former Sen. Thad Cochran’s seat. Cochran resigned in March due to health issues.

Trump in 2014 endorsed McDaniel in a previous race, according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, and the two Republicans were vying for his endorsement in the current race.

“I could not be more honored to have your endorsement,” Hyde-Smith tweeted in response to Trump.

I could not be more honored to have your endorsement, @realDonaldTrump! #MAGA #Cindy2018 #TeamCindy pic.twitter.com/yxRah37ozX

— Cindy Hyde-Smith (@cindyhydesmith) August 23, 2018