Walmart withdrew its support for Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith on Tuesday, requesting that her campaign refund all its donations after the Mississippi lawmaker made a racially charged comment and supported suppressing Democratic votes.
Hyde-Smith, appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant earlier this year to fill the seat vacated by retired Sen. Thad Cochran, is facing a contentious runoff election against Democrat Mike Espy to serve the remaining two years of Cochran’s term.
Not only did Hyde-Smith say she would sit in “the front row” of a public hanging if asked by a supporter — a comment that drew outrage because of public lynching of black men in the Southern state’s past, video surfaced of the senator suggesting she would support measures to prevent “liberal folks” from voting.
The comments have reportedly alarmed top Republicans, who fear Espy could triumph in a state that President Trump won by nearly 18 points, and have prompted corporate supporters to distance themselves.
“Sen. Hyde-Smith’s recent comments clearly do not reflect the values of our company and associates,” Walmart wrote in its post on social media platform Twitter.
The world’s largest retailer, Walmart recently contributed $2,000 to Hyde-Smith’s campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission. Other companies that donated in November include the Boston Scientific Corp., Union Pacific, and Nucor Corp.
A Boston Scientific spokeswoman said the company no longer supports Hyde-Smith and requested a refund; Union Pacific said it has done the same, as did Pfizer and AT&T.
“We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms. We are withdrawing our support and have requested a full refund of our contributions, which were made months in advance of the Senator’s comments,” a Pfizer spokeswoman said in an emailed statement.
Union Pacific in no way, shape or form condones or supports divisive or perceived to be divisive statements. Our contribution was mailed prior to Hyde-Smith’s statement being made public. Union Pacific requested a refund of our contribution yesterday. https://t.co/aenpM6wefG
— Union Pacific (@UnionPacific) November 20, 2018
Steelmaker Nucor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Below is a list of other companies that previously donated to Hyde-Smith’s campaign. None responded to request for comment on whether their support remains after her recent remarks:
Ford Motor Co.: The carmaker donated $2,500 to the campaign on Nov. 6.
MGM Resorts: The casino chain donated $1,500 to the campaign on Sept. 30.
Delta Air Lines: The carrier donated $5,000 to the campaign, including a $2,500 donation on Aug. 14.
Comcast: The cable giant donated $3,000 to the campaign on Oct. 24.
General Dynamics: The military contractor donated $4,000 to the campaign, including a $1,500 donation on Sept. 12.
Merck & Co.: The pharmaceutical manufacturer donated $3,000 to the campaign on Sept. 30.
Hogan Lovells: The law firm donated $1,000 to the campaign on Sept. 30.
Goldman Sachs: The investment bank donated $1,500 to the campaign on Sept. 26.
Toyota Motors Co.: The carmaker donated $3,500 to the campaign, including a $2,500 donation on July 19.
American Crystal Sugar Company: The collective donated $5,000 to the campaign on June 30.
Grant Thornton: The advisory firm donated $5,000 to the campaign on Sept. 6.
