Mike Espy vs. Cindy-Hyde Smith Mississippi Senate Race Live Results

Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith enters Tuesday's primary election over Democrat and former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy as the clear favorite. Hyde-Smith owned a double-digit lead over Espy in a poll conducted by Bold Blue Campaigns and JMC Analytics & Polling, 54 percent to 44 percent.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. ET.

Cindy Hyde-Smith is looking to become the state's first woman elected official in Congress, while Espy could become Mississippi's first African-American senator since Reconstruction.

The election will influence the balance of power, though Republicans will continue to control the Senate. Republicans currently hold 52 Senate seats, while Democrats have 47.

Update 12:30 a.m ET.

Cindy Hyde-Smith declared the winner

In a closer-than-expected victory, Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith on Tuesday defeated Democrat Mike Espy in a special runoff election. Hyde-Smith was appointed in April to fill the seat of longtime Republican Sen. Thad Cochran, who left office due to health reasons.

“You’ve handed me your vote. You’ve handed me a victory. You’ve put confidence in me. I’m not going to let you down,” Hyde-Smith said in her victory speech. “I have a flight in the morning. I have to be at the airport at 4:30. I am going to Washington, D.C. first thing in the morning. I have to be at work. They are calling and they are looking for me. I will be there starting in the morning. I just thank you so much for everything.”

With 99 percent reporting (1,781of 1,797 precincts) 879,957 votes

Cindy Hyde-Smith: 474,471 votes (53.9 percent)

Mike Espy: 405,486 votes (46.1 percent)