Randle, a 31 year-old Oxford resident, established an exploratory committee in November. He publicly declared his interest in the seat and criticised Hyde Smith’s reputation after a difficult 2018. Randle released a statement saying that he concluded that this race is extremely difficult due to the divisive political climate and the short primary election calendar. “Cindy Hyde Smith’s presidential endorsement, and the short timeframe for the primary election effectively block the path to any Republican challenger,” Randle said. There is still two days until the deadline for submitting a primary challenge to Hyde Smith. Governor Hyde-Smith appointed Hyde-Smith. Phil Bryant was appointed by Gov. to serve a temporary term after Senator Thad Cochran resigned in April 2018. He was then elected to the remaining six-year term in November 2018. This term expires in 2020. Hyde Smith faced criticism from across the country during her 2018 campaign. She said at a rally that she would attend “public hanging.” National reporters flew to Mississippi to report on the special election. Hyde Smith’s remarks were paired with former Democratic Congressman Mike Espy’s account of the state’s history of lynchings while on the campaign trail. Last week she officially launched her 2020 campaign. She gave a passionate speech to her supporters, boosting her conservative credentials. She said, “I think you can see that I am ready for the campaign.” Espy announced that he would run for the seat again and has been bombarding supporters with fundraising emails. He has also been appearing at key political events throughout the state. Candidates can apply for either the Senate or the four state congressional seats until January 10. The party primaries are scheduled for March 10, with the general election in November.