McDaniel: Entering race to succeed Cochran instead of challenging Wicker

JONES COUNTY, Miss. - State Senator Chris McDaniel says he is switching races and will now seek the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Senator Thad Cochran -- rather than challenge U.S. Senator Roger Wicker.

McDaniel made the announcement on Facebook Wednesday. Cochran announced recently he will retire in April.

Gov. Phil Bryant will appoint Cochran's replacement. A special election will be held in November to fill Cochran's unexpired term.

In McDaniel's Facebook announcement, he says U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who's also Majority Leader, is attempting to appoint an establishment "yes man" for Cochran's seat. McDaniel said he wasn't going to sit back and watch that happen.