Ty Pinkins, the independent candidate challenging incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, announced his departure from the Democratic Party citing corruption and a desire to represent Mississippians over party insiders. He cited pressure from party officials to step aside for their preferred candidate in exchange for money, and said he refused due to his commitment to grassroots energy.
Pinkins, a U.S. Army veteran and farmer’s son, pledged not to take money from billionaires or Super PACs, and vowed to ban insider stock trading for lawmakers and repeal Citizens United if elected. He emphasized that he is running as an independent to give the people of Mississippi a choice in who represents them, rather than party insiders.
Pinkins outlined his five-pillar platform: Economic investment in rural towns, affordable healthcare, veterans care, voting rights, and “clean government.” If successful, Pinkins would be the first independent senator from Mississippi.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/u-s-senate-candidate-ty-pinkins-leaves-democratic-party-will-challenge-hyde-smith-as-an-independent