Mississippi senator to step down

BILOXI, Miss. — U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) yesterday announced his intention to resign from the U.S. Senate effective April 1. That decision could draw candidates from the race against Sen. Roger Wicker, the state’s junior senator.

“I regret my health has become an ongoing challenge,” Cochran said in a press release. “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.

“It has been a great honor to serve the people of Mississippi and our country. I’ve done my best to make decisions in the best interests of our nation, and my beloved state. My top concern has always been my constituents in Mississippi. My hope is by making this announcement now, a smooth transition can be ensured so their voice will continue to be heard in Washington, D.C. My efforts, and those of my staff, to assist them will continue and transfer to my successor.”

Cochran was first elected to the Senate in 1978, becoming the first Republican in more than 100 years to win a statewide election in Mississippi. His is the 10th-longest tenure in the Senate in U.S. history. Cochran previously served three terms in the House of Representatives. Republican Gov. Phil Bryant will appoint a replacement then call an election for November.