Hyde-Smith fends off challenge from Espy in Mississippi

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is projected to win reelection, fending off a relatively high-profile challenge from Democrat Mike Espy.

The Associated Press called the race at 11:23 p.m. EST.

Hyde-Smith was favored to win the safely red seat despite being outraised significantly by Espy throughout the campaign. Espy’s bid was seen as a long shot in the deep-red state, though he garnered significant media attention.

Hyde-Smith first beat Espy for the Senate seat in November 2018, after they were forced into a runoff race because neither candidate won enough votes to declare victory. She was looking to hold on to her seat after being appointed to replace Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.).