Starkville, Miss. — In Mississippi’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidate Scott Colom seeks to overcome decades of entrenched political patterns in the Deep South. A Black district attorney from Columbus, Colom aims to become the first African American elected to statewide office in Mississippi since Reconstruction, challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.
Colom’s path to victory hinges on mobilizing a large turnout among Black voters—who represent roughly 37 percent of the state’s population—and securing about 25 percent of the White vote, a feat no Democrat has achieved in Mississippi in over 40 years. The stakes are heightened as control of the Senate remains uncertain nationally and the election could influence the advancement of former President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
Hyde-Smith was appointed to the Senate seat in 2018 and has since won two elections, including a 2020 race where she defeated Colom’s predecessor, Mike Espy, by 10 points. Her tenure has not been without controversy, notably drawing criticism for a public comment referencing “public hanging,” which evoked the state’s history of racial violence. This election cycle, Hyde-Smith has maintained a low profile, with few public appearances. Her campaign stated that President Trump’s scheduled visit to the state led to adjustments in her visibility and event participation.
Colom’s campaign strategy focuses on addressing economic hardships facing Mississippians amid soaring costs for essentials like diesel fuel and fertilizer. Michael Ward, a Black farmer near Starkville, cited widespread financial strain as a factor that could blur traditional racial voting patterns. “Everybody is in the same boat right now, hurting to make ends meet,” he said.
Despite these conditions, some Republicans remain skeptical of Colom’s chances. GOP consultant Austin Barbour noted that rural White voters tend to remain reliably Republican and expressed doubt that Colom can significantly shift their allegiance. Janet Middleton, a Trump supporter from near Starkville who knows Colom personally, expressed dissatisfaction with Hyde-Smith but opposed voting for Colom due to concerns that a Democratic win could shift Senate control and advance policy positions at odds with her values, including on abortion.
Colom benefits from a notable family background in state politics; his father, a former Republican, served on Ronald Reagan’s presidential transition team, and his mother was a pioneering African American judge. Elected district attorney in 2015, Colom has built a reputation on criminal justice reform and maintains a record of successful prosecutions.
President Joe Biden nominated Colom for a federal judgeship in 2022, but the nomination was blocked by Hyde-Smith, who labeled him a far-left extremist. The nomination battle has added a personal dimension to the Senate race, which has drawn national attention and financial investment from both parties. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the race’s rating from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican," signaling its growing competitiveness.
Campaign events have featured prominent Black Democratic figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and Sen. Raphael Warnock, who have urged increased voter turnout amid concerns about recent changes to the Voting Rights Act. Colom describes himself as a moderate Democrat, emphasizing common-sense capitalism, opposition to tariffs, support for raising the minimum wage, and gun ownership.
Supporters like Delisa Woodruff, a Black factory worker, emphasized economic issues as a motivator. “I can barely make bills,” Woodruff said, expressing hope that Colom will challenge Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, some White voters remain reluctant. Steve, a White farmer near Canton, criticized both candidates and questioned the integrity of elections, saying he might abstain from voting.
Colom’s campaign emphasizes outreach across diverse communities, from urban suburbs to rural counties, as well as engaging moderate voters disillusioned with the current political climate. Yet, Mississippi’s political landscape remains deeply divided, with longstanding Republican dominance in most rural areas posing a continuing challenge. The outcome of this race will likely hinge on voter turnout and shifting attitudes in a state grappling with both economic and social tensions.