Republicans have won every Senate race in Mississippi for the last three decades. “Voters in Mississippi will head back to the polls Nov. 27 for a runoff.” But this year’s special election has some in the G.O.P. worried, after this controversial comment made by Republican candidate Cindy Hyde-Smith was caught on video. The remark was particularly tone deaf in Mississippi, where more than 600 people were killed in lynchings from 1877 to 1950 — more than any other state. Hyde-Smith, the state’s former agricultural and commerce commissioner, is in a runoff with Democrat Mike Espy after no one received more than 50 percent of the vote on Election Day. Espy was the agriculture secretary in the Clinton administration. And, if elected, would be the first black senator from the state since Reconstruction. He was running an underdog campaign in conservative Mississippi. But Hyde-Smith’s comments put the trajectory of the race in doubt. Facing an uproar over her remarks, she retreated from the campaign and dodged reporters’ questions. “We put out a statement yesterday and we stand by that statement. We put out the statement yesterday and it’s available. And we stand by that statement. I put out a statement yesterday. I put out a statement yesterday. We did address it yesterday. And that’s all I’m going to say about it.” But after her poll numbers dropped and companies began withdrawing contributions, she was forced to address them at a debate. “For anyone that was offended for my — by my comments, I certainly apologize. There was no ill will, no intent whatsoever in my statements. I also recognize that this comment was twisted and it was turned into a weapon to be used against me.” Espy responded this way: “Well, no one twisted your comments because your comments were live, you know, it came out of your mouth. And I don’t know what’s in your heart, but we all know what came out of your mouth.” The controversy appears to have emboldened Democrats. Espy picked up an endorsement from former Vide President Joe Biden, and Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris have stumped for him in Mississippi. “I think that people are fed up with and really just tired of supposed leaders who lead by trying to sow hate and division among us.” But Hyde-Smith still has some big advantages over her opponent. She’s been endorsed by President Trump, who won Mississippi by nearly 18 points in 2016. “And a vote for Cindy is a vote for me.” Trump’s support could help Hyde-Smith shore up conservative white voters, which may be enough to secure victory in solidly red Mississippi.