At a campaign stop earlier this month in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hyde-Smith said of a local rancher: If he invited me to a public hanging, Id be on the front row. The comment carried echoes of the Souths racist history of lynchings of African-Americans.

Espy, who could become the states first black senator since the years after the Civil War, called his opponents remarks reprehensible.

Hyde-Smith issued an apology later Tuesday during a debate amid the outcry over both events but accused her critics of twisting her words for political gain.

For anyone that was offended by my comments, I certainly apologize, Hyde-Smith said. There was no ill will, no intent whatsoever in my statements.

She added: This comment was twisted, and it was turned into a weapon to be used against me.

Espy, however, said her words hadnt been misinterpreted because the comments came out of your mouth.

I dont know whats in your heart, but we know what came out of your mouth, the Democrat said.

Walmart on Tuesday said it would seek a refund for its campaign donation to Hyde-Smith, saying her remark about public hangings does not reflect the values of our company and associates.

The senator also appeared to endorse voter suppression during a campaign stop ahead of the Nov. 6 midterms. She said efforts to undermine voting among liberals at certain colleges would be a great idea.

And then they remind me that theres a lot of liberal folks in those other schools who maybe we dont want to vote, Hyde-Smith told a small crowd of young people outside her campaign bus in a video taken Nov. 3 and posted online last week. Maybe we want to make it just a little more difficult. And I think thats a great idea.

This article has been updated with Hyde-Smiths apology late Tuesday.