Hyde-Smith and Espy to debate tonight in Jackson

The debate between Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy is set for tonight in Jackson.

Hyde-Smith was appointed to the Senate in April after Senator Thad Cochran retired of health concerns. Hyde-Smith is challenged by Mike Espy, a former congressman and U.S. agriculture secretary.

Mississippi hasn’t elected a democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1982. Espy is seeking to become Mississippi’s first African-American senator since reconstruction.

The debate begins at 7 p.m. The runoff election takes place one week from today.