Mississippi Black Senators

Yet, while the election of Espy, a former congressman who served as the secretary of agriculture in the Clinton administration, would be historic, it wouldn't be unprecedented. The same Mississippi seat was once held by the first African-American ever to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Republican US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi apologized on Tuesday for making a comment about public hangings, but accused her black Democratic opponent in a special election runoff of twisting her words for political gain.

Yet, while the election of Espy, a former congressman who served as the secretary of agriculture in the Clinton administration, would be historic, it wouldn't be unprecedented. The same Mississippi seat was once held by the first African-American ever to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Republican US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi apologized on Tuesday for making a comment about public hangings, but accused her black Democratic opponent in a special election runoff of twisting her words for political gain.