Despite the administration’s insistence that America has achieved victory in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, and falsely claimed that “99.9%” of cases are “totally harmless,” the truth is we have a long way to go to flatten the curve and stop COVID-19 from taking more lives – especially here in Mississippi.

Over recent days, our country has seen a renewed surge in coronavirus cases, with new cases reaching 50,000 in a single day, and even some local Mississippi leaders contracting the virus over the holiday weekend.

To make matters worse, data shows a wide racial gap in the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from this virus. Back in April, the state health department said 72% of Mississippi residents who have died of COVID-19 were Black and 28% were white – that’s a massive disparity, especially when you consider the fact that 37.6% of the state’s population is Black.

Americans and Mississippians – especially Black folks – are contracting and dying of this virus at an alarming rate. My question is: Where’s the leadership in Washington? What are Cindy Hyde-Smith, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and President Trump doing about it?

The answer is too little. If we’re going to overcome this pandemic, we need better leadership in our nation’s capital — an independent voice fighting for solutions.

I can promise you this: If elected to serve Mississippi as its next U.S. Senator this November, I will do everything in my power to address COVID-19 and save lives.

If you’re with me, make a contribution of $10 or whatever you can today to help me fight for the health and safety of Mississippians and Americans alike in the Senate.

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I hope you and your loved ones stay healthy during this trying time. Remember to wear a mask and wash your hands — I know I am. We can overcome this pandemic, together.

– Mike Espy