Mississippi GOP US Senator Announces April 1 Retirement – Can a Democrat Take This Seat?
Cochran Retires at 80
Republican U.S. Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi has just announced he will retire effective April 1, citing health reasons. Cochran is 80.
“I regret my health has become an ongoing challenge,” Cochran, 80, said in a statement, CBS News reports. “I intend to fulfill my responsibilities and commitments to the people of Mississippi and the Senate through the completion of the 2018 appropriations cycle, after which I will formally retire from the U.S. Senate.”
Could a Democrat take his seat, and help turn the Senate blue?
The governor of Mississippi has 10 days to appoint a replacement, and he must schedule a special election for this November. The Governor of Mississippi, Republican Phil Bryant, will appoint another Republican.
A similar scenario played out in 2008, when Sen. Trent Lott resigned. Roger Wicker, a Republican who was appointed to serve until a special election was held, ran against Democrat Ronnie Musgrove. Wicker won, 55-45.Â
Could a Democrat take a Mississippi Senate seat? This year, it’s anyone’s guess.
UPDATE:
Senator Wicker is up for re-election this year.
Image by US Dept. of Agriculture via Flickr and a CC license
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.