Republican U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, said on Monday he will resign on April 1.
"I regret my health has become an ongoing challenge. I intend to fulfill my responsibilities and commitments to the people of Mississippi and the Senate through the completion of the 2018 appropriations cycle, after which I will formally retire from the U.S. Senate," Cochran, 80, said in a statement.
Mississippi will now have two Senate seats up for grabs in November. President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have urged Mississippi Gov. Jim Bryant to appoint himself to Cochran's seat, but Bryant has no interest in doing so according to sources who spoke with the Clarion Ledger.
The same sources said Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves would be the leading candidate to replace Cochran.
Cochran has been hospitalized twice in the last six months and has been absent from the Senate several times as a result.
"I've done my best to make decisions in the best interests of our nation, and my beloved state," Cochran said. "My top concern has always been my constituents in Mississippi. My hope is by making this announcement now, a smooth transition can be ensured so their voice will continue to be heard in Washington, D.C."
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