MS senate race: Where candidates stand on key issues ahead of 2020 election

Democrat Mike Espy and Independent Jimmy Edwards are challenging incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith to represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate.

In recent voter polls, Espy, a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, is neck and neck with Hyde-Smith, who has support from top GOP lawmakers including Gov. Tate Reeves and President Donald Trump. Attorney General Eric Holder, former Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams and Senator Cory Booker have endorsed Espy.

Espy has asked Hyde-Smith to debate ahead of the Nov. 3 election, but she has not yet agreed.

Espy, Hyde-Smith and Edwards spoke with the Sun Herald about key issues affecting Mississippians in 2020, including the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice and social security.

You can learn more about where each candidate stands here. Find more 2020 election coverage in the Sun Herald’s Mississippi Voter Guide.