It remains to be seen if this means that the two candidates, who are both on the November ballot, will debate each other. Melissa Scallan, her campaign spokesperson, answered Melissa Scallan’s question about Hyde-Smith possibly arguing with her opponents. She said that they were working on events and would know more in the next few days. We found out that they were leaving session yesterday afternoon.” Justin Brasell, Wicker spokesperson, also refused to commit to a debate and said “Sen. Wicker is looking forward to returning home to Mississippi to spend more time on campaign trails. He is open about his views on issues. He is open about his beliefs and fights to defend them every day.” Hyde Smith is running for her first U.S. Senate race. In April, Gov. Phil Bryant was appointed to the interim post in April after Thad Cochran, the long-term incumbent, resigned due to health reasons. In November, she will be challenged by Mike Espy (Democrat, former secretary of agriculture under the Bill Clinton administration); Tobey Bartee (Gautier Democrat); and Chris McDaniel (State Senator, Ellisville). She is being challenged by Tobey Bartee, a Gautier Democrat, and state Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville. All her opponents want a debate, but she has so far refused to do so, citing commitments in Washington, D.C., which the Senate was in session. The Senate leaders came to an agreement on Thursday to allow votes for some nominees for President Donald Trump’s judiciary and to then adjourn until after election to give senators time to hit the trail. State Rep. David Baria (D-Bay St. Louis), Libertarian candidate Danny Bedwell, and Reform Party candidate Shawn O’Hara are challenging Wicker. Baria claimed that Wicker and him were invited to debate by various groups recently. Baria claimed he accepted the invitations to debate, but Wicker only says “crickets.” Espy stated that he will debate only if Hyde Smith participates in the special election.