Before the dust settled on Donald Trump’s reelection, Mississippi politicos — and some top elected officials — were discussing the what-ifs and domino effects of Trump appointing some Mississippi politicians to positions in his administration.
The one most discussed (even before Tuesday’s election, and even in Trump’s previous administration) is the potential for U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith — one of Trump’s staunchest allies on Capitol Hill — to be appointed secretary of agriculture.
Some folks close to Hyde-Smith, a longtime farmer and former Mississippi agriculture commissioner, avow the job would be hers if she wants it (although Kentucky U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is almost certainly in the running). But they’re unsure that Hyde-Smith wants it, perhaps not willing to give up the time she gets to spend in Brookhaven, albeit limited by senatorial duties.
It’s likely Hyde-Smith would have input on who is appointed to the ag post in Trump’s administration. But it’s also likely if Trump pressed her to take the job that she would be hard put not to.
Another name now being mentioned for ag secretary for Trump is Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum, former under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and former chief of staff to the late Sen. Thad Cochran. Mississippi politicos suspect Hyde-Smith is putting Keenum’s name out for the post.
Hyde-Smith vacating her Senate seat next year would require Gov. Tate Reeves to within 10 days appoint an interim, then set a special election within 90 days. Any vacancies beyond 2025 would have different deadlines, based on past court rulings.
Reeves would likely consider appointing one of Mississippi’s three Republican U.S. representatives as interim senators, or perhaps someone like state Treasurer David McRae (who sure has been traveling the state a lot lately). But this could still create a mad rush of people running for the seat.
It would be hard to come up with a list of top Mississippi politicians who wouldn’t consider taking a “free shot” at running for U.S. Senate. The compressed election cycle would somewhat level the playing field, opening it to anyone who could raise seven figures in short order for a race. Even those with other aspirations, such as Secretary of State Michael Watson, a likely candidate for lieutenant governor in 2027, might consider a “why-not” shot at the Senate seat.
That’s all not to mention the mad rush for any special U.S. House seat election, should a sitting rep be appointed interim senator. Besides, it’s also possible one of Mississippi’s Republican House members — particularly Rep. Trent Kelly, a decorated combat veteran and major general — be appointed to a position by Trump.
Speaking of Reeves, some of the governor’s supporters have been talking up the possibility of him getting a Trump appointment. Reeves, in his second and final term, has publicly said he’s not interested in running for another office and it’s unclear what he would do after leaving office, after spending the last 20 of his 50 years in state government elective office.
Should Reeves receive a Trump appointment, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann would fill out the rest of his term as governor, a post Hosemann has expressed interest in running for in 2027.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch, a loyal and early Trump supporter who appears to have his favor, is also considered a likely candidate for a Trump appointment should she seek one. Her role in overturning Roe vs. Wade certainly raised her stock and profile with a new Trump administration.
Another Trump favorite in Mississippi is state Sen. Joel Carter Jr., R-Gulfport, who has been a big donor of the president elect. While Carter might be in line for an appointment should he want one, he’s already announced his intentions to run for Mississippi secretary of state in 2027. And, surprisingly, he’s already received Trump’s endorsement, on video, for the state election.
One person likely to play a major role in Trump choosing any Mississippians for federal appointments is former Gov. Phil Bryant, who has been close to Trump since his first term as president. It’s unlikely Bryant himself would want a D.C. position, but he would likely play an advice-and-consent role.
One reason Trump might look to the Magnolia State for people to appoint in his administration is pragmatic. If he were to appoint any sitting GOP members of Congress from here to positions, he could feel safe that their vacant seats would remain in Republican hands.
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