Hosemann drew a primary challenge from state senator Chris McDaniel, who is best known for nearly unseating U.S.

"[2] In response, Hosemann defended his conservative credentials and called McDaniel "the least effective politician in the state with the largest ego.

[4] This led to Mississippi Republican Party chairman Frank Bordeaux having to get involved behind the scenes to quell tensions between Hosemann and McDaniel.

[4] In campaign ads, speeches, interviews, and social media posts, McDaniel tied Hosemann to the South Jackson Women's Clinic, in attempts to attack Hosemann's record on the issue of abortion.

In response, Hosemann called McDaniel a "pathological liar" and accused him of defamation.