Cindy Hyde-Smith

AI offers real potential for agriculture, manufacturing, and economic growth, but it needs common-sense guardrails, not heavy-handed federal overreach. I favor protecting innovation and American competitiveness while addressing clear risks—especially national security, child safety, and transparency. States should retain authority over local infrastructure and permitting. Regulation should be targeted, light-touch where possible, and focused on preventing harm without stifling the technology that can create jobs and opportunity in Mississippi and across the country.

Mississippi relies heavily on natural gas for reliable, affordable power, and I support an all-of-the-above approach that prioritizes American energy dominance. Natural gas, nuclear, and responsible oil and gas production in the Gulf remain essential. Wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal can play a supplemental role where they make economic and practical sense, especially with biofuels and forestry biomass that support our rural economy and forest health. I oppose mandates that drive up costs or undermine reliability. Energy policy must keep electricity affordable for families and businesses while advancing technologies that cleanly expand our domestic supplies.

Data centers represent major private investment and job opportunities for Mississippi, bringing billions in capital and supporting high-tech growth. I support attracting this industry while protecting ratepayers. Companies must pay their fair share for the power and infrastructure they use so families and small businesses are not burdened with higher electricity bills. With proper oversight on grid reliability, water use, and local impacts, these projects can strengthen our economy without shifting costs onto everyday Mississippians. Affordability and accountability remain non-negotiable.

As a cattle farmer and former Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner, I know our $7.5 billion ag and forestry industries are the backbone of Mississippi. I support strong Farm Bills with better crop insurance for flood-prone areas, conservation programs like CSP and EQIP that keep land productive while improving soil and water, and research into Chronic Wasting Disease. I’ve fought for catfish producers against unfair imports and disease threats, opened markets for our products, and backed wildlife conservation bills that protect hunting, fishing, and habitat while supporting livestock. Private property rights and practical stewardship come first, as good policy sustains both production and the outdoors for the next generation.

Yes. Strong local schools and community colleges are vital to building the skilled workforce Mississippi needs. I support funding and policies that strengthen STEM education, career and technical training, and partnerships with our research universities and USDA facilities like Stoneville. These institutions prepare young people for high-demand jobs in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and technology. Federal support should empower state and local decisions, not impose top-down mandates, so our schools can deliver practical science education that benefits students and our economy.

Elected officials should promote transparent, practical science that serves the public interest—especially in agriculture, energy, and public health—without politicizing it. I work with researchers at Mississippi State, the University of Mississippi, and USDA facilities on real-world issues like crop science, wildlife disease, and energy innovation. My approach is to listen to producers and scientists on the ground, fund applied research that delivers results. I reject agendas that ignore economic realities or rural needs. Trust grows when science is honest, useful, and free from ideology.