President Donald Trump has joined Mississippi officials as they have expressed their condolences to the family of Senator Cochran.
Very sad to hear the news on the passing of my friend, Senator Thad Cochran. He was a real Senator with incredible values – even flew back to Senate from Mississippi for important Healthcare Vote when he was desperately ill. Thad never let our Country (or me) down!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
My statement regarding the passing of my friend and former colleague, Senator Thad Cochran. pic.twitter.com/PYl7NOjpBh
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) May 30, 2019
Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Senator Thad Cochran. I have the utmost respect for the Senator who represented Mississippi so well,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “He was a true statesman and a personal friend whom I knew and supported throughout his political career. His passing is the end of an era as Thad set an example for those who have followed him.”
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann
“One of Mississippi’s greatest public servants passed today. His life’s work is imprinted on each of us through his leadership in education, agriculture, hurricane relief, and his calm approach to the major issues impacting our State and our Country,” said Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann.
Senator Roger Wicker
Senator Roger Wicker released the following statement:
“Thad Cochran was a giant in the United States Senate and one of the greatest champions Mississippi has ever known. He was also a dear personal friend for decades. My wife, Gayle, and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Cochran family at this time.
“When Thad Cochran left the Senate, I was reminded of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote, “Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and departing leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.”
“Thad Cochran’s footprints are all around us. From his career in the Navy through his retirement in 2018, his life was marked by service to this country.
“The American economy is experiencing historic growth today in no small part because of the foundations laid by Thad Cochran. Our nation’s military is stronger, groundbreaking federal research continues to advance, our citizens are healthier, and rural and agricultural communities from the Mississippi Delta all across this country are more vibrant.
“I am grateful and honored to have known him, learned from him, and been his friend. America is a better country because of Thad Cochran.”
Speaker of the House Philip Gunn
“Sen. Cochran was a true statesman and served our state with class and distinction,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn. “Lisa and I express our condolences to his family and pray for their comfort during this time of loss,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn.
Lt. Governor Tate Reeves
“Senator Thad Cochran is a giant in our state and in our country—a statesman through and through. Anyone who had the privilege of spending time with him knows that his wit and wisdom were unmatched,” said Lt. Governor Tate Reeves. “Elee and I are praying for Kay and the entire Cochran family today. He is at the same time a legend and a truly decent, good man—rare in our line of work. Void of ego and full of life, with friends in every corner of our state. He will always be remembered and sorely missed.”
Congressman Bennie Thompson
Congressman Bennie Thompson took to Twitter to pay his respects.
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of former U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. He was an excellent public servant who understood the necessity of diversity and inclusion. Cochran’s talents will be missed by all Mississippians. pic.twitter.com/NU8mPa4SBg
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) May 30, 2019
Governor Phil Bryant
Mississippi and our nation have lost a true statesman in Thad Cochran. He was a legend in the United States Senate where he worked tirelessly to move his state and country forward. He was our longest serving senator, and his influence can be felt in every corner of Mississippi. pic.twitter.com/II3yWtRkSk
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) May 30, 2019
The Governor elaborated more in a statement:
“Mississippi and our nation have lost a true statesman in Thad Cochran. He was a legend in the United States Senate where he worked tirelessly to move his state and country forward. He was one of our longest serving senators, and his influence can be felt in every corner of Mississippi. Whether it was fighting for resources during the dark days following Hurricane Katrina on the Coast or being a zealous advocate for farmers in the Delta, he dedicated himself to serving all Mississippians. The Quiet Persuader dominated Mississippi politics for nearly half a century, and he did so by being a gentleman. Senator Cochran has left a legacy of public service that should serve as an inspiration for all Americans. I am requesting that flags be flown at half-staff in Mississippi. Deborah and I are praying for the Cochran family during this difficult time.”
State Auditor Shad White
Prayers this morning for the family of Sen. Thad Cochran after his passing. Sen. Cochran served our nation’s military and the State of Mississippi admirably for decades. He is a role model to all young public servants because of his demeanor and dedication to our state.
— Shad White (@shadwhite) May 30, 2019
Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley
Thad Cochran was a statesman that transcended political parties to make an indelible mark on Mississippi. He was highly respected in Washington where he was known as “The Quiet Persuader” who got things done for Mississippi. Rest In Peace, Senator.
— Brandon Presley (@BrandonPresley) May 30, 2019
State Treasurer Lynn Fitch
My prayers are with the family of Senator Thad Cochran. He was a true public servant, a patriot in every sense of the word. He gave freely of his time and talents to Mississippi and our nation. We have lost a great man with his passing.
— Lynn Fitch (@LynnFitch) May 30, 2019
Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Gipson
So saddened to hear of the passing of Sen. Thad Cochran, a true public servant for Mississippi and the United States.
— Commissioner Andy Gipson (@CommAndyGipson) May 30, 2019
Congressman Gregg Harper
The following is a statement from former Third District U. S. Congressman Gregg Harper regarding the passing of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran:
“He was the greatest Ambassador for Mississippi that I have ever known and it’s difficult for me to express how much I will miss him. He was the textbook example of a statesman. Senator Cochran inspired me and countless others to be involved in politics. He taught me the importance of working in a bipartisan manner if you wanted to accomplish great things. He was my friend and mentor, and he made me a better member of Congress. I was blessed to have known him.”
Congressman Trent Kelly
“Senator Cochran distinguished himself in service to our nation as a member of the United States Navy and as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator,” Representative Kelly said. “He served our great state of Mississippi and exemplified what it means to be a faithful public servant and impactful leader. I am honored to have called him a friend.”
MSGOP Chairman Lucien Smith
“My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Cochran’s family and friends, and the multitude of Mississippians who served as part of his extraordinary staff. Senator Cochran served his state and nation with honor and dignity and leaves a legacy of statesmanship and service that will benefit Mississippians for decades to come.”
Congressman Michael Guest
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Thad Cochran. He devoted his life to serving his state and nation and set the standard of public service that we can all strive towards. He will be remembered for his dedication to the people of Mississippi, and his legacy as a statesman will provide a model of service for our future leaders to follow.
While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Senator Cochran was a champion for Mississippi. He worked tirelessly for farmers and to promote rural development. He helped strengthen our Armed Forces as Chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and he spearheaded the effort to appropriate much-needed federal assistance to the Mississippi Coast to address the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Mississippi benefited greatly from Senator Cochran’s leadership as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and his legislative abilities. We will continue to enjoy the benefits of his tenure for generations to come.
My prayers are with his family during this difficult time and my thoughts are with our entire state as we remember the life of a great Mississippian.”
MSU President Mark Keenum
”I was blessed to have the honor of working with Senator Cochran for nearly 18 years in Washington, DC, including 10 years as his chief of staff. I am grateful for our time together and for his service to our state and nation. He was truly a statesman and a man of the highest integrity. He provided extraordinary leadership and walked with giants, yet remained humble and true to his Mississippi roots. Senator Cochran had a tremendous influence on my life. He taught me how to respect people, how to listen, how to make decisions based on facts and then to move forward. My wife Rhonda and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.”
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
“Mississippi has suffered a tremendous loss today. Senator Thad Cochran was an incredible leader and a most respected member of the United States Senate. My colleagues who served with him consistently speak of him with such high regard. So many have said to me that he was truly their favorite Senator and friend. He treated everyone with distinction and had a caring and concerned heart for his constituents and the state he so dearly loved.
“Mississippi is a better place because of his leadership that was guided by wisdom and faith. One of my most cherished moments, which I will hold in my heart forever, is playing God Bless America on the piano while he sang it in his Senate office on his last day there.
“My husband Michael and I send our deepest sympathy to his family at this time.”
State Sen. Chris McDaniel
“Thad served in the Senate my entire life. He was a patriarch of the Republican Party in Mississippi, and I grew up admiring him as a towering political figure and a gentleman. Although our political differences became apparent, my respect for him remains unchanged. If Heaven has a Senate, I trust Mississippi now holds a key chairmanship.”
Commissioner Dick Hall
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time friend Senator Thad Cochran. We both grew up in the Jackson area and entered politics over 40 years ago. Senator Cochran was always a friend to transportation in Mississippi throughout his lengthy career. After Katrina he made sure Mississippi was a priority for relief efforts and did everything he could to help his home state rebuild our transportation network after the storm. He was often soft-spoken, but his quiet leadership was important to the prosperity of the Magnolia State. I always respected him as a statesman and valued his personal friendship. I am grateful for his lifetime of service to the people of Mississippi and my prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Courtney Ingle
