By Karim Hammam
Democrat Scott Colom, a local prosecutor challenging Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi, criticized national Democrats for conceding the state as the Senate race remains too close to call.
Colom leads Hyde-Smith by roughly 1,700 votes, but the outcome may not be resolved for days as absentee and provisional ballots are processed. Speaking to NBC News on Thursday, Colom expressed confidence he would prevail.
Criticism of National Democrats
Colom accused the Democratic Party of betraying Mississippi voters by not competing seriously. “We were a betrayed cause,” he said, arguing that the party’s refusal to invest earlier signaled it did not care about voters facing health care cuts, tariff impacts, and voting rights attacks.
Fundraising and Outside Spending
Colom raised $4.4 million compared to Hyde-Smith’s $6.3 million, according to recent reports. In the final weeks, a group aligned with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer spent nearly $2.1 million on ads, prompting a matching $2.1 million from the Republican-aligned Senate Leadership Fund.
Voter Sentiment and Tariffs
NBC News exit polling showed 55% of Mississippi voters disapproved of President Trump’s job performance, and 56% said his policies hurt the economy. Fifty-seven percent said tariffs harmed their local economy, while 53% opposed U.S. military action in Iran. Colom said he heard frustration over high prices and tariff impacts during town halls across the state.
History with Hyde-Smith
Hyde-Smith previously blocked Colom’s nomination for a federal judgeship during the Biden administration. Colom said he had forgiven her, but noted she had also blocked other Black nominees, adding that she represents only “the 100% MAGA” rather than all Mississippians.
