Brookhaven will be in the spotlight today when Gov. Phil Bryant announces his pick to replace U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran.

That’s because his pick is from Brookhaven, and the announcement is taking place downtown.

Bryant will appoint Cindy Hyde-Smith to the U.S. Senate, making her the first female senator from Mississippi. 

Hyde-Smith, currently the state’s agriculture commissioner, will have a leg up on the rest of the field when November’s special election rolls around. At least one of those already committed to running for the right to finish out Cochran’s term is state Sen. Chris McDaniel.

McDaniel is a fighter, and his supporters are nothing if not passionate. Hyde-Smith will surely have a fight on her hands at year’s end. 

But she has a proven track record of winning elections. She was easily elected to the agriculture commissioner post in 2011 and 2015. She has experience in statewide races, and has plenty of support among fellow Republicans. 

We congratulate Hyde-Smith on the appointment and look forward to having her represent the great state of Mississippi.