By Mississippi Today. Father: Henry Espy Mother: Willie Jean Espy Sister: Michelle Brother: Henry Espy Wife: Sheila Espy (div. Steer the conversation away from anything controversial, even race, and back to health care. Reactions: Danespear, mike_espy, Skrewdriver and 12 others. As a former Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I know that sometimes leaders have to make tough decisions. We are proud to endorse Mike Espy as the 2020 Democratic candidate in the Mississippi Senate race. Mike Espy: Every child in Mississippi deserves access to a quality education that will allow them to reach their full potential — no matter the school they attend, the color of their skin, or how much money their parents make. Plus! One of the jurors said, "This was the weakest, most bogus thing I ever saw. Espy later resigned after he was indicted on federal corruption charges, though he was acquitted on all counts. Mike, who was inspired by his grandfather—the son of slaves—to represent the American people, is the candidate uniquely committed to contending with our country’s past to build a better future. He earned his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in California in 1978. Get our free newsletter in your inbox every morning. I am tired of our leaders not standing up for our state. In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. [33] Independent Counsel Smaltz appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court. In December 1992, Espy was chosen by President-elect Bill Clinton to be the Secretary of Agriculture in the new administration. Whoops! Mike Espy will work to implement specific actions that are needed by Mississippians and their communities to improve our current education offerings. In 2018, Espy reentered politics to run for the Senate seat left vacant after the retirement of long-time U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran. In November 1986, Espy was elected as a Democrat to the 100th Congress from Mississippi's 2nd congressional district. He was both the first African American and first person from the Deep South to hold the position. At least four other jurors echoed this view, though less pointedly. Third, we must mandate bias and de-escalation training. US Secretary of Agriculture, 1993-94. That Mississippi is sending a … In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. Mike Espy: I do not support “defunding” the police. I am committed to building upon the Affordable Care Act in order to lower health care costs for all Mississippians, including expanding Medicaid in Mississippi — a policy we are already paying for in other states as taxpayers. [18], Three days after losing the Senate special election runoff to Hyde-Smith, on November 30, 2018, his 65th birthday, Espy filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to run for the seat again in 2020. We are building the biggest state-wide campaign Mississippi has ever seen, and bringing the new spirit of inclusiveness and diversity to every corner of the state. Do you believe criminal justice reform is needed? Alphonso Michael (Mike) Espy was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, on November 30, 1953. WASHINGTON, D.C.—March On PAC has announced its endorsement of Mike Espy as the 2020 Democratic candidate in the Mississippi Senate race. Mike Espy: I know how important affordable health care is for all Mississippians, because it’s part of my family’s legacy. He is the grandson of Thomas J. Huddleston Sr., founder of the Afro-American Sons and Daughters, a fraternal society that operated the Afro-American Hospital, a leading provider of health […] I support all schools in our state. There are far too many people, most of whom are Black men, in prison for non-violent crimes and technical violations. Who is Mike Espy? I just remember being cold and eating cheese curds. (born 1953). On Tuesday, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith won a hard-fought runoff election over her Democratic opponent, Mike Espy. The Mississippi Legislature recently voted to remove the state flag with its confederate emblem as opposed to putting that decision before voters. The jury deliberated less than 10 hours before finding Espy not guilty on all charges. Early on in his career Espy was an attorney with Central Mississippi Legal Services from 1978 to 1980. He was the nation’s first African American secretary of agriculture. [17] Espy lost the runoff with 46% of the vote. I do not believe that we should be glorifying a time when one human being was allowed to own another human being or the war that was fought for that very system. [14], Espy supports gun ownership and received the National Rifle Association's (NRA) Silver Rifle award in 1988 for supporting its positions on gun laws. Turn children against their parents and families, etc. Mike Espy: No. [citation needed], Espy was an attorney with Central Mississippi Legal Services between 1978 and 1980 and was later the Assistant Secretary of State to Mississippi Legal Services. Now, as then, race plays a key role in the race. For years,our public schools have been underfunded by billions. Mike Espy: As a long-time deficit and debt hawk and former member of the U.S. House’s Budget Committee, I believe we must reduce the national debt. Republican Hyde-Smith was appointed to the office by Governor Phil Bryant in early 2018 after Thad Cochran resigned… Espy lost in the November 6 nonpartisan special election before facing Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in a November 27 runoff. “My parents had sent my twin sister and I to this school. Together, we can move Mississippi forward. *Michael Espy was born on this date in 1953. During testimony before the jury, the prosecution's star witness told Smaltz: "God knows, if I had $30 million, I could find dirt on you, sir. Epsy, the former secretary of agriculture in the Bill Clinton administration, said during an education roundtable discussion recently that he believes he will be qualified to go into schools and other surroundings to talk to particularly young men about being responsible parents. He is a Black lawyer and politician. JACKSON, Miss. [6], In 2008, Espy became an attorney at Morgan & Morgan, a nationwide law firm, where he handles general plaintiff's law, mass tort, bond and governmental finance, and international relations cases. He defeated two-term Republican Webb Franklin to become the first African-American to represent Mississippi at the federal level since Reconstruction. Birthplace: Yazoo City, MS. Alphonso Michael Espy was born in Yazoo City, part of the famous Mississippi Delta, in 1953. Alphonso Michael Espy (born November 30, 1953) is an American politician who served as the 25th United States Secretary of Agriculture from 1993 to 1994. Espy was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. As outlined in the Constitution, the President should have to seek approval in order to declare war. Too many Mississippians are getting crushed by the rising cost of premiums, copays, and prescription drugs. His paternal grandfather was an immigrant from Lebanon, and his uncle was war journalist George Esper. I think the FIRST STEP Act was an essential and much-needed bill. Now, a new poll has us just 1 point away from her. Henry Espy . [citation needed]. That is 3x what Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith raised in all of Quarter 2. We must create a new prevailing standard of conduct in which the unacceptable standard of “reasonable force” is replaced with “necessary force.” And fourth, chokeholds and other restraint positions should be abolished. We can do this. Though Yazoo City was located in an impoverished section of the Mississippi River Delta, the Espy family was affluent. Espy attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., and was active in student politics, holding several elective positions. Stacey Abrams, on the May 29 fundraising call for Mike Espy: “I grew up in Mississippi. Running for Senate. In March 2018, Espy announced his candidacy for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Thad Cochran. [20], National Journal noted that his liberal social views are mixed with his support for cutting the federal budget and protecting Mississippi's defense and agricultural industries. By giving tax breaks to the drivers of our economy — the middle class and small businesses — instead of the wealthy, we can reap the benefits of a booming economy and reduce our debt. I grew up in Gulfport, 2020 South Street. Mississippi is home to the most generous and hospitable people I know. Independent Counsel Donald Smaltz presented more than 70 witnesses during the trial and spent more than $20 million preparing and trying the case.[30]. [26], Espy opposes a border wall, citing cost concerns. Mike Espy, age 66, is vying to be the first African American elected by popular vote to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi. [32] Barbara Bisoni, the only white juror, said Smaltz's case "had holes" and that race never entered into the deliberations.[32]. Henry Espy made an unsuccessful Congressional run to fill his brother’s empty seat in 1993. When Mr. Espy was named Secretary of Agriculture in 1993, Mr. … [14], In 1986, running for Congress, Espy was considered pro-choice on abortion. Thad Cochran's Senate Seat Bid By Clinton-Era Official", "The big seven races that will (probably) decide who controls the Senate", "Senatorial candidate Mike Espy says he'll 'Put Mississippi First, "Democrat Mike Espy announces bid for Senate seat in Mississippi", "A look at Mike Espy before US Senate runoff: People over party, keeping head down", "How Things Could Go Wrong For Republicans In Mississippi's New Senate Race", "The Latest: Mississippi has 3 more weeks of US Senate race", "2018 Elections Calendar - Mississippi Secretary of State", "GOP Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith Wins Runoff in Mississippi", "Espy files to run for Senate in 2020, setting up possible rematch with Hyde-Smith", "State of Mississippi OFFICIAL 2020 GENERAL ELECTION CERTIFIED RESULTS", "Can Mike Espy Win in Mississippi? By Mike Espy. Senator, I would work on a “second step act” to address criminal justice issues at the state and local level and allocate federal funds for new programs to help reduce recidivism. From 1980 to 1984, he was the Assistant Secretary of the State to the Public Lands Division. AKA Albert Michael Espy. First, we need to hire more officers of color, especially Black men and women. We can attract more applicants by offering competitive salaries and opportunities for continuing education. Parents are doing their best, but more and more they’re finding themselves at wit’s end struggling to balance work and childcare and educational duties or worrying about their lost paycheck and how they’ll make ends meet while trying to keep their kids on track with remote learning.” Alphonso Michael Espy was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. I will be an independent voice for the health, safety, and economic security of Mississippi’s families. We often come last in rankings and make do with less. And Mike Espy was Democrat and a black man in a state that had not elected a black person to statewide office since the 19 th century. Mike Espy: I believe monuments erected in favor of confederate leaders and generals should no longer be displayed on official property. Espy refused to plea bargain and on December 2, 1998, he was acquitted of all 30 criminal charges in the trial. His family has been involved in the funeral home business for decades, and his grandfather is credited with starting the first African American hospital in the state in the 1920s to provide a medical option for Black Mississippians. Or as a 1986 Washington Post profile deemed it, “The Huddleston Dynasty.”. According to Espy’s communications director, Kendall Witmer, the campaign raised … It’s a drain on the families of the incarcerated, on our economy, and on our state budget. From 1993 to 1994 he was selected to be the Secretary of Agriculture by president Bill Clinton. The first African American and first person from the Deep South to hold the position,[4] Espy served as Secretary of Agriculture from 1993 to 1994. [4] Administration officials said that the discovery of this scholarship was what forced Espy to resign as Secretary of Agriculture. Since then, Espy has been practicing law in Mississippi. [38] Espy married Portia Ballard in 1999. [15] After no candidate gained a simple majority of the vote,[16] a runoff election between Espy and Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith was held on November 27. [13] The Clarion Ledger wrote that Espy sought to "play up his bipartisan credentials, like endorsing former Republican Gov. Party affiliations were not printed on the ballot. I do support the President maintaining authority to keep our country safe and execute tailored missions, such as those against the War on Terror. He was born into what a 1992 New York Times profile called “a prominent Black family.” Or as a 1986 Washington Post profile deemed it, “The Huddleston Dynasty.” Alphonso Michael Espy (born November 30, 1953) is an American politician who served as the 25th United States Secretary of Agriculture from 1993 to 1994. Mike Espy Bio. He and his twin, Althea Michelle, were the youngest of Henry and Willie Jean (Huddelston) Espy’s seven children. In 1924, my grandfather, Thomas J. Huddleston, started the first Black-owned hospital in Mississippi at the height of Jim Crow. Mike is committed to comprehensive education reform. Finally, all officers should be required to wear body cameras at all times while on duty. Though Yazoo City was located in an impoverished section of the Mississippi River Delta, the Espy family was affluent. The defense rested without calling any witnesses, arguing simply that the prosecution had not proved its case. Mike Espy: In the last decade, improvements in technology, and better understanding of the impact of sentencing, the criminal justice system and the causes of crime, have forced us to reevaluate policies put into place in the 20th century. Should safeguards be put in place to limit national debt? Henry Espy is the brother of Mike Espy. Mike Espy: As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, Mississippi is at a pivotal moment. Mike Espy, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Mississippi, discusses with Lawrence O’Donnell how he can win his tight Senate race and become the first Black Senator from the state since the Reconstruction Era. Mississippi Today. [4] In December 1997, Tyson Foods pleaded guilty to felony charges of giving Espy gifts. ", "What you need to know about Mississippi's special Senate race, candidates", "Was this a bad idea? They moved to Wisconsin, which is where I was technically born. I want our departments to work hand-in-hand with these experts so they can better understand these situations in order to better serve our communities. 30 talking about this. Alphonso Michael Espy Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Alphonso Michael "Mike" Espy (born November 30, 1953) is a United States Democratic politician. CryCzech ... As far as the kids ratting out their parents, the indoctrination is pretty deep. We believe that an informed Mississippi is a better Mississippi. Mike Espy. During his spare time, he reads books, rides horses, and practices martial arts, as he holds a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do. In an effort to flip the senate in November, the political action committee created by March On is endorsing candidates who support efforts to Take Back the Senate, Hold the House and Reclaim the Presidency. It will be my utmost priority in Congress to reduce our debt through careful, targeted cuts. Mississippi Today. Founded in 2016 as the state’s first nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, Mississippi Today’s roots in Capitol coverage have grown to encompass a myriad of beats beyond politics and policy, including education, public health, justice, environment, equity, and, yes, sports. A member of the Democratic Party, Espy previously served as the U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 2nd congressional district from 1987 to 1993. [39], This article is about the American politician. Instead of minimizing the pandemic and denying during the critical early stages, our Congressional leaders should have come together as a body, sat down with our world-renowned medical experts and come up with a comprehensive approach to shut down parts of the United States. [7][8][9] He called Cochran "a person I admire and respect, and who has done so much for Mississippi over his tenure. [28] Espy said during his Senate campaign that he would work with anyone regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. | Tribune Content Agency (April 13, 2018)", "Senator candidate Mike Espy aims for Mississippi's African-American base", "How a Democrat Could Swipe a Senate Seat in Deep-Red Mississippi", "In Mississippi, Republican concern rises over a U.S. Senate runoff that should have been a romp", "House background check bill will move to Senate committee after Hyde-Smith objects to fast tracking", "Aiming for Alabama-like Victory, Espy Opens 'Modern' Campaign Headquarters | JFP Mobile | Jackson, Mississippi", "WASHINGTON TALK; A Turning Point On the Abortion Issue? Espy garnered more than 46% of the vote in the special election. The origins of Mike Espy. I do support putting these monuments in museums with context to educate the public on the history of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the South. He was born into what a 1992 New York Times profile called “a prominent Black family.”. What are your public education priorities? I also want our police officers to receive training from our mental health counselors, social workers, child protection officers, and addiction specialists. "[10], In 2018, CBS described Espy as a conservative Democrat. Decisions about education are best left to our educators, teachers, parents and school administrators on the ground, and I will fight to get them the support and funding they need. In Mississippi, we have an incarceration problem. "[14] When asked by MSNBC's Chris Matthews to comment on President Trump's criticism of several African-American journalists, Espy "refused to bite", instead redirecting the interview to health care.